Pipetting Device, Pipette Tip Coupler, and Pipette Tip: Devices and Methods

ABSTRACT

Pipette tip couplers, pipette tips, coupler and tip combinations, and methods for coupling and decoupling a pipette tip to or from a pipette tip coupler mounted on a pipette device. The pipette tip couplers include a shank, a coupler body distal to the shank, a distal stem and distal end plate distal to the coupler body, a proximal elastomeric element disposed around the shank, a distal elastomeric element disposed around the distal stem, and a coupler stop shoulder surface between the proximal elastomeric element and distal elastomeric element. When a pipette tip is mounted on the pipette tip coupler, the proximal elastomeric element abuts the interior surface of the pipette tip for securing the pipette tip to the coupler, and the distal elastomeric element abuts the interior surface of the pipette tip to form a seal between the coupler and the pipette tip.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. section 119(e) and 120, this application is acontinuation of and claims the benefit of priority from copending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/521,485 entitled “Pipetting Device,Pipette Tip Coupler, and Pipette Tip: Devices and Methods” filed on Jul.24, 2019, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priorityfrom U.S. Pat. No. 10,427,151 entitled “Pipetting Device, Pipette TipCoupler, and Pipette Tip: Devices and Methods” issued on Oct. 1, 2019,which claims the benefit of priority from two (2) U.S. ProvisionalPatent Applications, No. 62/350,291 filed on Jun. 15, 2016 and No.62/350,302 filed on Jun. 15, 2016, all of which are fully incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure pertains generally to pipetting devices, and moreparticularly to pipette tip couplers, disposable pipette tips, couplerand tip combinations, and coupling and decoupling methods of at leastone disposable pipette tip to or from at least one pipette tip couplercarried by a pipette device.

BACKGROUND

Pipette devices are used in a multitude of industries for the transferof liquids to conduct experimental analysis. As such, to provide controlwithin the experiments being performed, disposable pipette tips are usedand intended for one-time use. Disposable pipette tips are employed withboth manual pipette devices and automated pipette devices having a largenumber of pipette units arranged in a row or in a matrix for aspiratingsamples simultaneously from a large number of vessels and dispensingthem elsewhere.

Disposable pipette tips have been constructed historically to interfaceto either a conical or stepped coupling stud. In the cases where aconical coupling stud is used, the disposable tip is constructed in amanner that it must be pre-stressed onto the coupling stud to provide anair tight seal. Due to the tolerances of the two interfacing components,the distance to the end of the tip that comes in contact with liquid isnot well controlled. In addition, high press forces are required topre-stress the tip to create the air tight seal. As a result,microfissures may be formed in the pipette tip which are a cause ofleakage. Moreover, the high press forces upon placement of the pipettetip have the disadvantage that for the release of the pipette tipcorrespondingly high forces have to be applied.

The assignee of the present application, HAMILTON Company, teaches inU.S. Pat. No. 7,033,543, issued Apr. 25, 2006, a stepped coupling studin conjunction with an O-ring that provides a solution for reducing thehigh press force required to create an air tight seal as well asproviding well defined axial positioning of the end of the tip thatcomes in contact with liquid. As the O-ring is compressed, it providesan axially directed force to not only provide the air-tight seal, but toengage an axial coupling feature on the coupling stud to a counter axialcoupling feature on the tip.

Notwithstanding, current systems utilizing a stepped coupling stud and asolitary O-ring configuration are problematic when the O-ring becomescompromised because the result is an impairment in the air-tight sealand the performance of the pipette device.

Additionally, the compression of the O-ring results in the deformationof the O-ring which in turn provides the axially directed force andair-tight seal against the working surface of the pipette tip. Counterto this operation, when the compression of the O-ring is removed, theO-ring must disengage from the working surface of the pipette tip toallow the pipette tip to be removed from the coupling stud and thepipette device for disposal. If the O-ring does not fully decompress,some residual force will remain resulting in keeping the tip engaged tothe coupling stud and thus requiring an automated external axialcounterforce to remove the tip for disposal.

Moreover, as the size of the holes to and/or from which liquid istransferred decreases, the need for precision positioning of all of thetips in a controlled manner increases in order to allow successfultargeting.

Hence, there is a need to ameliorate or overcome one or more of thesignificant shortcomings delineated hereinabove.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, and in one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosureameliorates or overcomes one or more of the shortcomings of the knownprior art by providing a pipette tip coupler device and a disposablepipette tip combination which comprises dual elastomeric elements in theform of, but not limited to, dual O-rings carried on the coupler anddual complemental interior working surfaces formed in the pipette tip torespectively engage the dual O-rings to provide dual coating seals topreclude impairment in an air-tight seal by a single point sealdeterioration or failure.

In particular, and in one aspect, an embodiment of the presentdisclosure provides a pipette tip coupler device and disposable pipettetip combination which comprises a first seal achieved from a compressionof an upper or primary elastomeric element of the coupler against afirst working surface of the pipette tip which pre-stresses the pipettetip axially upward causing a lower or secondary elastomeric element ofthe coupler to be pre-stressed against a second working surface of thepipette tip forming a second seal. This dual seal configurationeliminates the single point seal deterioration or failure of the knownprior art.

In addition, and in one aspect, the secondary elastomeric element, whencompressed against the second working surface, provides a counter axialforce to the primary elastomeric element wherein at least one benefit ofthis counter axial force is that additional force is applied to thefirst working surface by the primary elastomeric element when theprimary elastomeric element is in its compressed state for providing astronger seal.

A further benefit of the counter axial force is that when the primaryelastomeric element is uncompressed, the counter axial force of thesecondary elastomeric element defines a counter axially directeddisengaging force that aids in the removal of the pipette tip from thepipette tip coupler for disposal.

In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides apipette tip coupler and disposable pipette tip device combinationcomprising dual elastomeric elements in the form of, but not limited to,dual O-rings on the coupler and dual complemental working surfaces inthe pipette tip to provide a resultant axial force achieved from acompression of an upper or primary elastomeric element and a lower orsecondary elastomeric element pre-stressing the disposable pipette tipinto an axial coupling position which is provided by a distally facingaxial stop surface of the pipette tip coupler and a proximally facingcomplimentary counter axial stop surface of the disposable pipette tipsuch that a perpendicular datum is established to a longitudinal axis ofa channel of a pipette device carrying the pipette tip coupler anddisposable pipette tip combination which provides for tip straightnessand controlled concentricity.

One benefit of the resultant axial force coupling position over theknown prior art is the establishment of this perpendicular datum whichprovides for tip straightness and controlled concentricity.Concentricity becomes worse as an angle defined herein as “ø” between atransverse axis and the longitudinal axis perpendicular to thetransverse axis is allowed to increase. Thus, controlled concentricitybecomes especially important on a multi-channel system and targetingmultiple wells. Accordingly, the pipette tip coupler device anddisposable tip combination provides tighter concentricity to allow fortighter precision of all the tips in a controlled manner allowingsuccessful targeting of multiple wells and/or smaller holes to and/orfrom which liquid is transferred.

In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides apipette tip coupler device and disposable tip combination comprisingdual elastomeric elements in the form of, but not limited to, dualO-rings on the coupler and dual complemental working surfaces in thepipette tip to provide precise control of an axial coupled positiondefined as an axial distance from a distally facing axial stop surfaceof the pipette tip coupler to the end of the pipette tip that contactsliquid when the pipette tip coupler and disposable pipette tip are in acoupled configuration. This, combined with tip straightness, allows fora pipette device carrying the pipette tip coupler and disposable tipcombination to target smaller holes. Additionally, smaller volumes ofliquid can be transferred resulting from the known fixed distance of thedisposable pipette tip allowing for a controlled touch of the pipettetip/liquid to a working surface onto or from which liquid is to betransferred.

In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure providesa pipette tip coupler device and disposable pipette tip combinationcomprising an angled squeeze mechanism that directs the motion of theupper or primary elastomeric element as it is compressed and comes intocontact with the first working surface of the pipette tip. The result ismore axial force to pre-stress the pipette tip into the axial couplingposition.

Further aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided below, when takentogether with the attached drawings and claims. It should be understood,however, that numerous modifications and adaptations may be resorted towithout departing from the scope and fair meaning of the claims as setforth below following the detailed description of preferred embodimentsof the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe disclosure, will be more fully understood by reference to thefollowing drawings which are for illustrative purposes only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Also, it isappreciable that the drawings are not necessarily in scale as somecomponents may be shown to be enlarged or to be out of proportionrelative to the size in actual implementation in order to more clearlyillustrate one or more concepts of the present disclosure. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an airdisplacement pipette device assembly of an automated liquid handlingsystem.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational view of the exampleembodiment of the pipette device assembly.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional, side elevational view ofthe example embodiment of the pipette device assembly comprising apipette device operatively coupled to a first example embodiment of apipette tip coupler and a disposable pipette tip in combination.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the example embodiment of thepipette device assembly.

FIG. 5 is a partial exploded parts perspective view of the exampleembodiment of the pipette device assembly detailing parts of the firstexample embodiment of the pipette tip coupler interposed between thedisposable pipette tip and the pipette device.

FIG. 6 is a top and side perspective view of the first exampleembodiment of the pipette tip coupler.

FIG. 7 is a top and side perspective view of an example embodiment of apipette tip coupler body member of the first example embodiment of thepipette tip coupler.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the pipette tip coupler bodymember.

FIG. 9 is a top and side perspective view of an example embodiment of anupper or primary elastomeric element or O-ring of the first exampleembodiment of the pipette tip coupler.

FIG. 10 is a top and side perspective view of an example embodiment of alower elastomeric element or O-ring of the first example embodiment ofthe pipette tip coupler.

FIG. 11 is a top and side perspective view of an example embodiment of asqueeze member in the form of an annular planar squeeze ring of thefirst example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the example embodiment of the pipette device operatively coupled tothe first example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, partially sectional, side elevational view ofthe example embodiment of the pipette device operatively coupled to thefirst example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler coupled to thedisposable pipette tip.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the example embodiment of thedisposable pipette tip illustrated in a supported position.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewdetailing the interior of the example embodiment of the disposablepipette tip.

FIG. 16 is an upper detail fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, sideelevational view detailing the upper interior of the example embodimentof the disposable pipette tip.

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatical block diagram view of an example embodimentof an automated pipetting workstation or system.

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the first example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler axiallyaligned over the disposable pipette tip.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the first example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler axiallyaligned over and moved into the example embodiment of the disposablepipette tip for defining a stage of coupling of the coupler with the tipto bring the secondary O-ring into contact with a sealing seat orsurface while maintaining the primary O-ring in the unsqueezed statesuch that a gap is maintained between an annular shoulder seat of thedisposable pipette tip and a stop shoulder surface of the coupler.

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the first example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler moved intothe disposable pipette tip with the squeeze ring being pushed on forsqueezing the primary O-ring from an unsqueezed state to a firstcompressed and extruded state for starting a process of lifting the tipup to engage the coupler while starting a process of compressing thesecondary O-ring.

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmenteddetailed view of squeezing the primary O-ring to the first compressedand extruded state as is illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmenteddetailed view of the secondary O-ring in the first compressed stateagainst the tip sealing seat or surface as is illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the first example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler moved intothe tip a further amount with the tip being lifted up while pushing downon the squeeze ring for defining a second or subsequent state ofsqueezing the primary O-ring to a second or subsequent compressed andextruded state.

FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmenteddetailed view of the primary O-ring in the subsequent compressed andextruded state as is illustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmenteddetailed view of the secondary O-ring in a second or subsequentcompressed state against the tip sealing seat or surface as isillustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the first example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler moved intothe example embodiment of the disposable pipette tip to a final amountwith the tip being lifted up to its final seated state to engage thecoupler by the method of moving the squeeze ring into its final positionthereby defining a final state of coupling with the distal elastomericelement or O-ring in a final compressed and seated sealing state.

FIG. 27 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmenteddetailed view of the primary O-ring in the final compressed and extrudedstate as is illustrated in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmenteddetailed view of the secondary O-ring in the final compressed stateagainst the tip sealing seat or surface as is illustrated in FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational,detailed view of the completed coupling of the first example embodimentof the pipette tip coupler and disposable pipette tip with associatedcoupling forces illustrated and identified thereon.

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof a misaligned coupling between an example embodiment of a pipette tipcoupler device and an example embodiment of a disposable pipette tip.

FIG. 31 is a fragmented and cutaway, longitudinal sectional, sideelevational view of the misaligned coupling state illustrated in FIG.30.

FIG. 32 is a fragmented and cutaway, longitudinal sectional, sideelevational view of the air displacement pipette device coupled to theexample embodiment of the pipette tip coupler which, in turn, is coupledto the disposable pipette tip illustrated with a small liquid volumeinterposed between the end of the tip and a working surface and withdimensioning lines illustrated and identified.

FIG. 33 is a longitudinal side elevational view of the air displacementpipette device assembly illustrating a circuit board that processes thesignal from a Liquid Level Detection (LLD) circuit contact wherein theLLD circuit contact is selectively connected between the circuit boardand the tip wherein the distal end of the tip is illustrated in contactwith the liquid.

FIG. 34 is a partial exploded parts perspective view detailing parts ofanother or second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler deviceinterposed between the disposable pipette tip and the pipette device ofthe air displacement pipette device assembly.

FIG. 35 is a top and side perspective view of a second exampleembodiment of a pipette tip coupler body of the second exampleembodiment of the pipette tip coupler.

FIG. 36 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmented viewof the second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler axiallyaligned over the example embodiment of the disposable pipette tip.

FIG. 37 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmented viewof the second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler axiallymoved into the example embodiment of the disposable pipette tip anamount for defining a stage of coupling that brings a secondary O-ringof the second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler into contactwith the tip sealing seat or surface of the example embodiment of thedisposable pipette tip while maintaining a primary O-ring of the secondexample embodiment of the pipette tip coupler in the unsqueezed statesuch that a gap is maintained between the shoulder seat of the exampleembodiment of the disposable pipette tip and a stop shoulder surface ofthe second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler.

FIG. 38 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmented viewof the second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler moved intothe tip an additional amount with the tip being lifted up while pushingdown on the squeeze ring for defining a stage of squeezing the primaryO-ring to a first compressed and extruded state or squeezed state froman unsqueezed state and compressing the secondary O-ring to a firstcompressed state against the tip sealing seat or surface.

FIG. 39 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmented viewof the second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler moved intothe tip a further amount with the tip being lifted up while pushing downon a squeeze ring for defining a second or subsequent state of squeezingthe primary O-ring to a second or subsequent compressed and extrudedstate and compressing the secondary O-ring to a second compressed stateagainst the tip sealing seat or surface.

FIG. 40 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmented viewof the second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler moved intothe example embodiment of the disposable pipette tip to a final amountwith the tip being lifted up to its final seated state to engage thecoupler by the method of moving the squeeze ring into its final positionthereby defining a final state of coupling with the distal elastomericelement or O-ring in a final compressed and seated sealing state.

FIG. 41 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational,detailed view of the completed coupling of the second example embodimentof the pipette tip coupler and the example embodiment of the disposablepipette tip with associated coupling forces illustrated and identifiedthereon.

FIG. 42 is a partial exploded parts perspective view detailing parts ofanother or a third example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler deviceinterposed between the disposable pipette tip and the pipette device ofthe air displacement pipette device assembly.

FIG. 43 is a top and side perspective view of the third exampleembodiment of the pipette tip coupler.

FIG. 44 is a top and side perspective view of a third example embodimentof a pipette tip coupler body of the third example embodiment of thepipette tip coupler.

FIG. 45 is a top and side perspective view of an annular wedge squeezering of the third example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler.

FIG. 46 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmented viewof the third example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler axiallyaligned over the example embodiment of the disposable pipette tip.

FIG. 47 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmented viewof the third example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler axially movedinto the example embodiment of the disposable pipette tip an amount fordefining a stage of coupling that brings a secondary O-ring of the thirdexample embodiment of the pipette tip coupler into contact with the tipsealing seat or surface of the example embodiment of the disposablepipette tip while maintaining a primary O-ring of the third exampleembodiment of the pipette tip coupler in the unsqueezed state such thata gap is maintained between the shoulder seat of the example embodimentof the disposable pipette tip and a stop shoulder surface of the thirdexample embodiment of the pipette tip coupler.

FIG. 48 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmented viewof the third example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler axially movedinto the example embodiment of the disposable pipette tip with the tipbeing lifted up while pushing down on the wedge squeeze ring forsqueezing the primary O-ring to a first compressed and extruded state orsqueezed state from an unsqueezed state.

FIG. 49 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmented viewof the third example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler axially movedinto the tip a further amount with the tip being lifted up while pushingfurther down on the wedge squeeze ring for defining a second orsubsequent state of squeezing the primary O-ring to a second orsubsequent compressed and extruded state.

FIG. 50 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmenteddetailed view of the primary O-ring in the subsequent compressed andextruded state as is illustrated in FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmenteddetailed view of the secondary O-ring in the subsequent compressed stateagainst the tip sealing seat or surface as is illustrated in FIG. 49.

FIG. 52 is a longitudinal sectional, side elevational, fragmented viewof the third example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler axially movedinto the example embodiment of the disposable pipette tip to a finalamount with the tip being lifted up to its final seated state to engagethe coupler by the method of moving the squeeze ring into its finalposition thereby defining a final state of coupling with the distalelastomeric element or O-ring in a final compressed and seated sealingstate.

FIG. 53 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational,detailed view of the completed coupling of the third example embodimentof the pipette tip coupler and disposable pipette tip with associatedcoupling forces illustrated and identified thereon.

FIG. 54 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the example embodiment of the disposable pipette tip comprising analternative sealing seat surface angle of substantially ninety degreesrelative to the central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip.

FIG. 55 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler device,which is initially illustrated in FIG. 34, axially aligned over theexample embodiment of the disposable pipette tip comprising thealternative sealing seat surface angle of substantially ninety degrees.

FIG. 56 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler devicepositioned in the disposable pipette tip comprising the alternativesealing seat surface angle of substantially ninety degrees wherein thetip is lifted up to its final seated state with the distal elastomericelement in a final compressed and seated sealing state against thesealing seat surface having the alternative sealing seat surface angleof substantially ninety degrees.

FIG. 57 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the upper interior of the example embodiment of the disposablepipette tip comprising another alternative sealing seat surface in theform of a circumferential radially concave sealing seat surface.

FIG. 58 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevationaldetailed view of the example embodiment of the disposable pipette tipillustrating detail of the circumferential radially concave sealing seatsurface illustrated in FIG. 57.

FIG. 59 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the example embodiment of the disposable pipette tip illustratingdetail of a further alternative sealing seat surface in the form of acircumferential radially convex sealing seat surface.

FIG. 60 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevationaldetailed view of the example embodiment of the disposable pipette tipillustrating detail of the circumferential radially convex sealing seatsurface illustrated in FIG. 59.

FIG. 61 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the example embodiment of the disposable pipette tip illustrating ayet further alternative sealing seat surface in the form of acircumferential upward facing tooth edge sealing seat surface.

FIG. 62 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevationaldetailed view of the example embodiment of the disposable pipette tipillustrating detail of the circumferential upward facing tooth edgesealing seat surface illustrated in FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler devicepositioned over the example embodiment of the disposable pipette tipcomprising an alternative circumferential annular tip groove in the formof a V-shaped groove defined by an V-shaped circumferential interiorsurface of the disposable pipette tip opening toward the longitudinalaxis and having a V-shaped cross section as illustrated.

FIG. 64 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the second example embodiment the pipette tip coupler devicepositioned in the disposable pipette tip comprising the alternativeV-shaped groove wherein the tip is lifted up to its final state with theprimary O-ring being compressed and extruded into the V-shaped groovewith abutment against the V-shaped circumferential interior surface andwith the distal elastomeric element compressed and seated against thesealing seat surface of the tip.

FIG. 65 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevationaldetailed view of the primary O-ring being in the final state of beingcompressed and extruded into the V-shaped groove as is illustrated inFIG. 64.

FIGS. 66 through 76 are fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, sideelevational views detailing further example embodiments of differentcircumferential annular tip groove configurations.

FIG. 77 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevationaldetailed view detailing an interior of a second example embodiment of adisposable pipette tip.

FIG. 78 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler devicepositioned over the second example embodiment of the disposable pipettetip.

FIG. 79 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler devicepositioned in the second example embodiment of the disposable pipettetip with a stop disk shoulder surface of the second example embodimentof the pipette tip coupler device abutting against an axial stop surfaceof the second example embodiment of the disposable pipette tip, with theprimary O-ring being compressed against an interior surface of acircumscribing sidewall of the second example embodiment of thedisposable pipette tip resulting in a deformation of the interiorsurface, and with the distal elastomeric element in a final compressedand seated sealing state against a sealing seat surface of the secondexample embodiment of the disposable pipette tip.

FIG. 80 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevationaldetailed view of the primary O-ring of the second example embodiment ofthe pipette tip coupler device being compressed against and deformingthe circumscribing sidewall of the second example embodiment of thedisposable pipette tip.

FIG. 81 is an upper fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, top and sideperspective view detailing an upper interior of a further exampleembodiment of a disposable pipette tip comprising an interior axiallyupwardly facing shoulder seat surface having an axially upwardly facingannular groove coaxially disposed around an interior axially upwardlyextending circumscribing rib.

FIG. 82 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the further example embodiment of the disposable pipette tipcomprising the interior axially upwardly facing shoulder seat surfacehaving the axially upwardly facing annular groove coaxially disposedaround the interior axially upwardly extending circumscribing rib havinga continuous solid circumscribing cross section.

FIG. 83 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevationaldetailed view of the further example embodiment of the disposablepipette tip illustrating detail of the axially upwardly facing annulargroove coaxially disposed around the interior axially upwardly extendingcircumscribing rib.

FIG. 84 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler deviceoperatively positioned in the further example embodiment of thedisposable pipette tip comprising the interior axially upwardlyextending circumscribing rib.

FIG. 85 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevationaldetailed view of a distally facing axial stop shoulder surface of thesecond example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler device abutting theinterior axially upwardly extending circumscribing rib of the furtherexample embodiment of the disposable pipette tip.

FIG. 86 is an exploded parts perspective view of an example embodimentof an internal seal pipette tip assembly comprising an internal sealpipette tip and an internal seal.

FIG. 87 is an upper fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, sideelevational view detailing an upper interior of the example embodimentof the internal seal pipette tip comprising an interior axially upwardlyfacing shoulder seat surface having an axially upwardly facing annulargroove coaxially disposed around a radially interior axially upwardlyextending circumscribing rib having a continues solid circumscribingcross section.

FIG. 88 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevationaldetailed view of the example embodiment of the internal seal pipette tipillustrating detail of the axially upwardly facing annular groovecoaxially disposed around the radially interior axially upwardlyextending circumscribing rib.

FIG. 89 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the example embodiment of the internal seal pipette tip assemblycomprising the internal seal disposed in the axially upwardly facingannular groove.

FIG. 90 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevationaldetailed view of the internal seal disposed in the axially upwardlyfacing annular groove.

FIG. 91 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the second example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler devicepositioned in and operatively coupled to the example embodiment of theinternal seal pipette tip assembly.

FIG. 92 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevationaldetailed view of a distally facing axial stop shoulder surface of thesecond example embodiment of the pipette tip compressing the internalseal disposed in the axially upwardly facing annular groove andcontacting the radially interior axially upwardly extendingcircumscribing rib disposed coaxially within and radially adjacent tothe axially upwardly facing annular groove.

Although various example embodiments may be numbered herein, theseembodiments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are onlyused to distinguish one embodiment from another. Additionally, theseterms do not imply a sequence or order.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there are shown in thedrawings embodiments which are presently preferred. These exampleembodiments will now be described more fully with reference to theaccompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals are used to denotelike parts or portions throughout the description of the several viewsof the drawings.

Pipette Device Assembly with Pipette Tip Coupler and Disposable PipetteTip

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a pipette device assembly 10comprising an example embodiment of a pipette device 20, an exampleembodiment of a pipette tip coupler device 100 (FIG. 2), and an exampleembodiment of a disposable pipette tip 220 removably coupled to thepipette device 20 by way of the pipette tip coupler 100.

Pipette Device 20

Referring to FIG. 2, and in one example embodiment, the pipette device20 comprises a body 22 supporting an aspirating and dispensing device 24comprising a plunger 26 operatively coupled to and driven by a motor 28.The plunger 26 resides within a plunger cylinder 30 extending from adistal or lower end 32 of the body 22 of the pipette device 20. Pipettedevice 20 further comprises an aspirating and dispensing cylinder 34that is at least partially disposed within plunger cylinder 30 at alocation axially aligned with and distally below the plunger 26. Theaspirating and dispensing cylinder 34 terminates to a distal mountingflange 36 for attaching with the pipette tip coupler 100 which, in turn,removably couples with the disposable pipette tip 220.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the aspirating and dispensing cylinder 34further comprises an interior circumscribing side wall 38 that definesan open-ended pipette channel 40 extending therethrough. The open endedpipette channel 40 longitudinally extends along a longitudinal channelaxis 80 of the pipette device assembly 10 (FIG. 1) between an open upperend portion 42 and open lower end portion 44 of the aspirating anddispensing cylinder 34 for providing open communication between plunger26 and an exterior area adjacent distal mounting flange 36 wherein thedistal mounting flange 36 is operatively connected to the pipette tipcoupler 100 comprising an open ended cylindrically shaped centralchannel 158 extending therethrough to provide open communication betweenthe passage opening 238 of the tip 220 and the aspirating and dispensingcylinder 34 via the pipette tip coupler 100.

Piston or Squeeze Sleeve 46

Referring to FIG. 3, the pipette device 20 further comprises a hollowpiston or squeeze sleeve 46 having a proximal or upper end 48 and adistal or lower end 50. The squeeze sleeve 46 circumscribes both theplunger cylinder 30 and the aspirating and dispensing cylinder 34 and isoperatively coupled to a squeeze motor 52.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the squeeze motor 52 of pipette deviceassembly 10 is supported on the body 22 of the device 20 and isoperatively coupled to and drives a lead screw 54 that couples to anaxially translating lead nut 56 that is operatively coupled to a squeezelinkage 58. Additionally, the squeeze linkage 58 is operatively coupledto the proximal or upper end 48 of squeeze sleeve 46 via squeeze linkagearm 60 such that rotation of the squeeze motor 52 in a first directionresults in linear axial translation of squeeze sleeve 46 in a distal orvertically downward direction along longitudinal channel axis 80 (FIG.3) to contact and push on an annular wedge or squeeze ring 200 (FIG. 5)of the coupler 100 as described below. Furthermore, subsequent rotationof the squeeze motor 52 in a second or opposite direction results inlinear counter axial translation of the squeeze sleeve 46 in a proximalor vertically upward direction opposite the distal or verticallydownward direction along longitudinal channel axis 80 (FIG. 3).

Ejection Sleeve 62

Referring to FIG. 4, the pipette device 20 further comprises an ejectionsleeve 62 used to eject the disposable pipette tip 220 from the pipettedevice 20 wherein the ejection sleeve 62 is axially movable relative tothe aspirating and dispensing cylinder 34 (FIG. 2) and comprises aproximal or upper end 64, a distal or lower end 66, and an ejectionsleeve arm 68 attached at a first end to the ejection sleeve 62 adjacentupper end 64 and having an opposing second end attached to a first endof a plunger device 70.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the plunger device 70 comprises an opposingend surface 72 abutting one end of an ejection sleeve spring 74 havingan opposing spring end abutting against an upper surface portion 76 ofthe body 22 of device 20 wherein the ejection sleeve spring 74 iscaptured between the surfaces 72, 76 to be spring loaded to bias theplunger device 70 and attached sleeve 62 in a normally pipette tipejected state.

FIG. 2 illustrates the retracted state of the ejection sleeve 62. Thenormally pipette tip ejected state is configured to require a force,such as coupling to pipette tip 220, to overcome the ejection sleevespring force in order to axially push the ejection sleeve 62 to aretracted state as illustrated in FIG. 2. Additionally, FIG. 2illustrates that the spring 74 circumscribes a central spring guidemember 78 to retain the shape of the spring 74 and to preclude thespring 74 from buckling.

Furthermore, and referring to FIG. 5, the spring 74 is dimensioned insuch a way that the force exerted on the pipette tip 220 by sleeve 62 inthe course of its relaxation is sufficient to assist in ejecting the tip220 from the pipette tip coupler 100.

It should be appreciated that the pipette tip coupler device 100 (andcoupler devices 400 and 500 detailed below) and the disposable pipettetip 220 can be practiced on other embodiments of pipette devices whereinthe embodiment of pipette device 20 is provided by way of example onlyand not limitation.

Pipette Tip Coupler Device 100

Referring to FIG. 6, and in one example embodiment, the pipette tipcoupler device 100 comprises an elongated head or shank member 102surmounting a pipette tip coupler body member 120 terminating to adistal stem portion 138 (FIG. 8). Additionally, the pipette tip coupler100 comprises a primary, upper, or proximal elastomeric element 160carried at a proximate or upper end portion of the pipette tip couplerbody 120. Pipette tip coupler 100 further comprises a squeeze member inthe form of, but not limited to, an annular planar squeeze ring 200surmounting the primary elastomeric member 160 such that the primaryelastomeric member 160 is interposed between the pipette tip couplerbody 120 and the squeeze member in the form of, but not limited to,annular planar squeeze ring 200. Moreover, the pipette tip coupler 100comprises a secondary, lower, or distal elastomeric element 180 carriedby distal stem portion 138 (FIG. 8).

Shank Member 102

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the shank member 102 of the pipette tipcoupler 100 is fitted in the distal mounting flange 36 of the aspiratingand dispensing cylinder 34 for operatively coupling the pipette tipcoupler 100 to the pipette device 20 of the pipette device assembly 10(FIG. 1).

More particularly, and referring to FIG. 7, the shank member 102comprises an annular proximal end face 104 defining a proximal or upperend face of the pipette tip coupler 100 (FIG. 6). Annular proximal endface 104 comprises an outer periphery 106 that can be chamfered and thattransitions into an elongated tubular body 108. In one embodiment, theelongated tubular body 108 of the shank member 102 can be threaded tomount into distal mounting flange 36 (FIG. 3) which can be threaded witha mating female thread. Distal from annular proximal end face 104, theelongated tubular body 108 transitions into an annular tapered portion110 that decreases in diameter and transitions into a cylindrical neckportion 112. The cylindrical neck portion 112 distally transitions intoa cylindrical collar 114 that has a diameter greater than a diameter ofthe cylindrical neck portion 112. The cylindrical collar 114 distallyterminates to a distal end 116 that defines the distal end of the shankmember 102 that surmounts the pipette tip coupler body 120.

Pipette Tip Coupler Body 120

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the pipette tip coupler body 120 comprises asuperior, proximal, or upper end surface 122 radially outwardlyextending from the distal end 116 of the cylindrical collar 114 andtransitioning into an outer peripheral edge 124 that is rounded. In oneexample embodiment, the upper circular body end surface 122 issubstantially planar surface that radially outwardly extends from thedistal end 116 of the cylindrical collar 114 to the outer peripheraledge 124.

As also illustrated in FIG. 7, the pipette tip coupler body 120comprises a multi cylindrical section comprising a first cylindricalportion or stop disk portion 130 that distally extends axially away fromthe upper end surface 122 and that is distally followed by a secondcylindrical portion 132 that is reduced in diameter for forming adistally facing axial shoulder surface or stop shoulder surface 134between the adjoining first and second cylindrical portions 130, 132wherein an embodiment of the surface 134 is substantially perpendicularto a longitudinal central axis 101 (FIG. 8) of the pipette tip couplerbody 120.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the second cylindrical portion 132 distallyextends from the stop shoulder surface 134 to a distally lower undersurface 136 that radially inwardly transitions into a reduced diameterdistal cylindrical stem portion 138. As illustrated in FIG. 7, thedistal cylindrical stem portion 138 terminates to a radially outwardlyextending upper surface 140 of a generally round end plate 142 whichcomprises a rounded peripheral edge 144 (FIG. 8) that provides acircumferential rounded transition between the upper surface 140 of thegenerally round end plate 142 and a lower generally planar surface 146(FIG. 8) of the generally round end plate 142 defining the distal endface of the pipette tip coupler body 120 of pipette tip coupler 100illustrated in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, and as noted above, the first cylindricalportion 130 comprises the first diameter that is greater than the seconddiameter of the second cylindrical portion 132 for forming the axialshoulder surface or stop shoulder surface 134 between the first andsecond cylindrical portions 130, 132. Additionally, and as illustratedin FIG. 7, the second diameter of the second cylindrical portion 132 isgreater than a diameter of the generally round end plate 142.Furthermore, a diameter of the distal cylindrical stem portion 138 isless than both the second diameter of the second cylindrical portion 132and the diameter of the generally round end plate 142 for defining alower, distal groove 148 between the second cylindrical portion 132 andthe generally round end plate 142 as illustrated in FIG. 7.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, and in one example embodiment, the first andsecond cylindrical head portions 130 and 132 respectively comprisegenerally smooth exterior cylindrical surfaces 150, 152 and the distalcylindrical stem portion 138 comprises a generally smooth exteriorcylindrical surface or groove surface 154.

As further illustrated in FIG. 7, the pipette tip coupler body 120further comprises the open ended, interior cylindrical channel surface156 that defines the open ended cylindrically shaped central channel 158illustrated in FIG. 3. The central channel 158 runs along thelongitudinal central axis 101 (FIG. 8) of the pipette tip coupler body120 from the annular proximal end face 104 to the lower generally planarsurface 146, which respectively define the proximal and distal end facesof the pipette tip coupler 100 illustrated in FIG. 6. Accordingly, andas also noted above, the open ended cylindrically shaped central channel158 provides open communication between the aspirating and dispensingcylinder 34 and the pipette tip 220 wherein the aspirating anddispensing cylinder 34 is also in open communication with the aspiratingand dispensing plunger 26.

Primary Elastomeric Element 160

FIG. 9 illustrates one example embodiment of the primary elastomericelement 160 that is carried, as illustrated in FIG. 6, at the proximateend portion of coupler body 120 of the pipette tip coupler 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the primary elastomeric element 160 is in theform of, but not limited to, an O-ring comprising an annular body 162having an interior surface 164 defining a central opening 166, a topsurface 168, a peripheral exterior surface 170, and a bottom surface172.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 12, the central opening 166 of the upperelastomeric element 160 is dimensioned to allow the distal mountingflange 36, with the pipette tip coupler 100 fitted therein, to passthrough the central opening 166 so as to allow a seating abutment of atleast the bottom surface 172 of the upper elastomeric element 160 withthe upper end surface 122 of the pipette tip coupler body 120 whereinthe pipette tip coupler body 120 carries the upper elastomeric element160 on the upper end surface 122 in the form of, but not limited to, theplanar end surface described above. In a relaxed or unsqueezed state,the upper elastomeric element 160 comprises a circumferentiallycontinuous, generally circular cross sectional area 174 as illustratedin FIG. 12.

Secondary Elastomeric Element 180

FIG. 10 illustrates one example embodiment of secondary or distalelastomeric element 180 that is carried, as illustrated in FIG. 6, atthe distal end portion of coupler body 120 of the pipette tip coupler100. Accordingly, the pipette tip coupler body 120 carries the secondaryor distal elastomeric element 180 axially distally spaced from theprimary or upper elastomeric element 160 by way of the distalcylindrical stem portion 138.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the secondary or distal elastomeric element180 is in the form of, but not limited to, an O-ring comprising anannular body 182 having an interior surface 184 defining a centralopening 186, a top surface 188, a peripheral exterior surface 190, and abottom surface 192. In a relaxed or unsqueezed state, the lowerelastomeric element 180 comprises a circumferentially continuous,generally circular cross sectional area 194 as is illustrated in FIG.12.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 12, the central opening 186 of the lowerelastomeric element 180 is dimensioned to closely or tightlycircumscribe the distal cylindrical stem portion 138 of the pipette tipcoupler 100 and allow a seating abutment between the lower elastomericelement 180 and the distally lower under surface 136 (FIG. 8) of the ofthe second cylindrical portion 132 (FIG. 8) of the pipette tip couplerbody member 120 wherein surface 136 is in the form of, but not limitedto, a planar, conical or concaved configuration.

Annular Planar Squeeze Ring 200

As illustrated in FIG. 6, and as noted above, one example embodiment ofthe pipette tip coupler 100 further comprises the squeeze member in theform of, but not limited to, the annular planar squeeze ring 200surmounting the upper elastomeric element 160 such that the upperelastomeric element 160 is interposed between the first cylindricalportion or stop disk portion 130 of the pipette tip coupler body 120 andthe annular planar squeeze ring 200.

In one example embodiment, and referring to FIG. 11, the annular planarsqueeze ring 200 comprises a resilient planar annular body 202 having aninterior circular surface 204 defining a central opening 206, a topplanar surface 208, a circular peripheral edge 210, and a bottom planarsurface 212.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the central opening 206 of the annularplanar squeeze ring 200 is dimensioned to allow the distal mountingflange 36, with the pipette tip coupler 100 fitted therein, to passthrough the central opening 206 of the annular planar squeeze ring 200so as to allow a seating abutment of the bottom planar surface 212 ofring 200 with the top surface 168 (FIG. 9) of the primary or upperelastomeric member 160. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the top planarsurface 208 of the annular squeeze ring 200 is initially spaced from thedistal end 50 of the squeeze piston 46 in a home position such that theupper elastomeric element 160 is in the relaxed or unsqueezed state.

Motor Actuation

With the pipette tip coupler device 100 fitted to the distal mountingflange 36 as illustrated in FIG. 12, the top planar circular surface 208of the annular squeeze ring 200 is adjacent the distal end 50 of thesqueeze sleeve 46. Accordingly, actuation of the squeeze motor 52(FIG. 1) in a first direction results in linear axial translation of thesqueeze sleeve 46 in a distal or vertically downward direction forapplying a force axially on the top surface 208 of the annular squeezering 200 via an LLD circuit ring end 366 detailed below for forcing thebottom planar surface 212 to push uniformly against the upperelastomeric element 160 for axially squeezing the upper elastomericelement 160 between the bottom planar surface 212 of the annular squeezering 200 and the upper end surface 122 of the pipette tip coupler body120 and into contact with surface 250 of groove 246 of the disposablepipette tip 220 as illustrated in FIG. 26, detailed in FIG. 27, anddescribed below.

Subsequent actuation of the squeeze motor 52 (FIG. 1) in a seconddirection, opposite the distal or vertically downward direction, returnsthe distal end 50 of the squeeze sleeve 46 to a home position asillustrated in FIG. 12 such that the annular squeeze ring 200 axiallyslides up thereby allowing the upper elastomeric element 160 to returnto the relaxed or unsqueezed state as illustrated in FIG. 12.

Pipette Tip 220

Referring to FIG. 13, and in one example embodiment, the disposablepipette tip 220 comprises an elongated tubular pipette tip body 222having a central longitudinal axis 224.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the pipette tip body 222 comprises anelongated circumscribing sidewall 226 longitudinally extending along thecentral longitudinal axis 224 between a proximal or upper annular endface 228 and a distal or lower annular end face 230 defining, asillustrated in FIG. 15, circumscribing open proximal and distal annularends 232 and 234 respectively.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the elongated circumscribing sidewall 226(FIG. 14) further comprises an interior surface 236 defining a pipettetip passage opening 238 extending longitudinally along the centrallongitudinal axis 224 of the pipette tip body 222 between the open upperand lower annular ends 232, 234 illustrated in FIG. 15.

Accordingly, and referring to FIG. 3, the pipette tip passage opening238 provides open communication from an area exterior to the open distalannular end 234 (FIG. 15), through the pipette tip 220, and to thepipette device channel 40 by way of the central channel 158 of thepipette tip coupler 100 when the pipette tip coupler 100 is coupledbetween the pipette device 20 and the pipette tip 220. In thisconfiguration, the central longitudinal axis 224 of the pipette tip body222 of the pipette tip 220 is coextensive with the longitudinal channelaxis 80 as is illustrated in FIG. 13.

First Substantially Cylindrical Interior Surface Section

Referring to FIG. 15, and in one example embodiment, the interiorsurface 236 of the elongated circumscribing sidewall 226 comprises anannular chamfered interior surface 240 that distally extends radiallyinward from the proximal annular end face 228 of the pipette tip 220 andterminates by transitioning into a first substantially cylindricalinterior surface section 242 having a first diameter.

Axially Arcuate Circumferential Surface Defining a Groove

As illustrated in FIG. 15, and in one example embodiment, the firstsubstantially cylindrical interior surface section 242 comprises anaxially arcuate circumferential interior surface 244 formed into theelongated circumscribing sidewall 226 defining a circumferential annulargroove 246. Annular groove 246 divides the first substantiallycylindrical interior surface section 242 into an upper firstsubstantially cylindrical interior surface portion and a lower firstsubstantially cylindrical interior surface portion of substantiallyequal diameter. Accordingly, the annular groove 246 provides acircumferential radially outwardly extending concavity shaped interiorsurface interruption of the first substantially cylindrical interiorsurface section 242 with an arcuate surface longitudinal cross section.The arcuate circumferential interior surface 244 is also configured inalternative surface cross sections as discussed below. And in oneembodiment, the first substantially cylindrical interior surface section242 is devoid of arcuate circumferential interior surface 244 definingthe circumferential annular groove 246 as also discussed below.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the axially arcuate circumferentialinterior surface 244 defining the annular groove 246 comprises an upperannular transition edge 248 distally transitioning into an upper axiallyarcuate circumferential surface sector portion 250 of the axiallyarcuate circumferential interior surface 244. In succession, the upperaxially arcuate circumferential surface sector portion 250 distallytransitions into a lower axially arcuate circumferential surface sectorportion 252 of the axially arcuate circumferential surface 244. Then,lower axially arcuate circumferential surface sector portion 252terminates to a lower annular transition edge 254.

The upper axially arcuate circumferential surface sector portion orupper portion 250 provides the annular groove 246 with an increasingradius relative to the central longitudinal axis 224 of the pipette tip220 from the upper annular transition edge 248 to a maximum radius ofthe annular groove 246 relative to the central longitudinal axis 224that defines a circumferential annular center of the annular groove 246.The lower axially arcuate circumferential surface sector portion orlower portion 252 provides the annular groove 246 with a decreasingradius relative to the central longitudinal axis 224 of the pipette tip220 from the maximum radius defining the circumferential annular centerof the annular groove 246 to the lower annular transition edge 254.

Second Interior Surface Section and Annular Shoulder Stop Surface

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the first substantially cylindrical interiorsurface section 242 is axially distally proceeded by a secondsubstantially cylindrical interior surface section 262 having a seconddiameter less than the first diameter of the first substantiallycylindrical interior surface section 242 for forming a proximallyfacing, radially inwardly extending annular shoulder seat surface orstop surface 260 interposed between the first and second substantiallycylindrical interior surface sections 242, 262.

In one example embodiment, the proximally facing axial stop surface 260is substantially planar and generally perpendicular to the centrallongitudinal axis 224 of the pipette tip body 222 (FIG. 14).

Third Interior Surface Section and Sealing Seat

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the second substantially cylindrical interiorsurface section 262 is axially distally proceeded by a thirdsubstantially cylindrical interior surface section 272 having a thirddiameter less than the second diameter of section 262. Interposedbetween the second section 262 and the third section 272 is afrustoconical annular sealing seat or stop surface 270 defining acircumferential radially inwardly angled and distally extending distalworking surface 270.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the frustoconical annular sealing seatsurface 270 comprises an upper annular sealing seat edge 266 defining anannular border between the second substantially cylindrical interiorsurface section 262 and the frustoconical annular sealing seat surface270. The sealing seat surface 270 further comprises a lower annularsealing seat edge 268 defining an annular border between thefrustoconical annular sealing seat surface 270 and the third interiorsurface section 272 wherein a diameter of the upper annular sealing seatedge 266 is greater than a diameter of the lower annular sealing seatedge 268.

Accordingly, the frustoconical annular sealing seat surface 270 definesthe circumferential radially inwardly angled and distally extendingdistal working surface, abutment, or sealing seat surface 270 interposedbetween the second substantially cylindrical interior surface section262 and the third substantially cylindrical interior surface section272.

As illustrated, the sealing seat surface 270 is disposed at an acuteangle relative to the central longitudinal axis 224 (FIG. 14) whereinthe acute angle defines an acute sealing seat surface angle relative tothe central longitudinal axis 224. In one embodiment, the preferredacute sealing seat surface angle relative to the central longitudinalaxis 224 is about 15 degrees to about 35 degrees with a preferred angleof about twenty-five degrees.

In one alternative embodiment to the sealing seat surface 270, thepipette tip 220 comprises an alternative sealing seat surface angle ofsubstantially ninety degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis224 (FIG. 14) of the pipette tip 220. This alternative embodiment isdiscussed below and illustrated in FIG. 54 wherein the sealing seatsurface angle of an alternative sealing seat surface 2270 relative tothe illustrated central longitudinal Z-axis is substantially 90 degrees.

Lower Interior Surface Portion

FIG. 15 further illustrates that in succession to the thirdsubstantially cylindrical interior surface section 272 is a fourthinterior surface section 274 that is distally followed by a fifthinterior surface section 275.

In one example embodiment, the fourth interior surface section 274distally tapers or decreases in diameter from a distal annular end 276of the third substantially cylindrical interior surface section 272 to aproximal annular end 278 of the fifth interior surface section 275. Inturn, the fifth interior surface section 275 distally tapers ordecreases in diameter from the proximal annular end 278 of the fifthinterior surface section 275 to the open distal annular end 234 of thepipette tip 220 that is intended for immersion. Additionally, and in oneexample embodiment, the fifth interior surface section 275 has a greatertaper than the fourth interior surface section 274.

External Longitudinal Ribs

Referring to FIG. 14, and in one example embodiment, the pipette tip 220comprises a plurality of circumferential spaced apart longitudinallyextending external ribs 280 disposed on the tubular pipette tip body 222adjacent the periphery of the proximal annular end face 228 andlongitudinally extending externally therefrom to an exterior area of thecircumscribing sidewall 226 that is adjacent to the third substantiallycylindrical interior surface section 272 as illustrated in FIG. 16.

In one example embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 14, the pluralityof circumferential spaced apart longitudinally extending external ribs280 may be utilized to provide support for the pipette tip 220 on or ina support surface 282 that the pipette body 222 has passed through via,for example, a support surface aperture opening 284. One exampleembodiment of the support surface 282 can be in the form of, but notlimited to, lab ware in the form of a tip rack as is known in the art,and informed by the present disclosure.

Automated Pipetting Workstation or System 300

Referring to FIG. 17, and in one example of use and operation, at leastone pipette device assembly 10 is employed in an automated pipettingworkstation or system 300 that generally provides, but is not limitedto, programmed transfers of liquid between containers which comprisesmounting and ejection processes of one or more disposable pipette tips220 to the pipette tip coupler 100 (FIG. 2) operatively carried by thepipette device 20 for carrying out, for example, the programmedtransfers of liquid between containers.

The automated pipetting workstation 300 generally comprises a roboticgantry 302 that carries the at least one pipette device assembly 10vertically above a horizontally disposed workstation deck 304 whereinthe pipette device assembly 10 can comprise a single channel pipettinghead or a multi-channel pipetting head.

Additionally, the robotic gantry 302 typically provides two or threedegrees of freedom wherein three degrees of freedom compriseslongitudinal translation along an axis defining an X-axis, latitudinaltranslation along an axis defining a Y-axis, and vertical (up and down)translation along an axis defining a Z-axis so that the at least onepipette device assembly 10 can move along the length (X-axis) and width(Y-axis) of the deck and vertically up and down (Z-axis) relativethereto. With two degrees of freedom, the robotic gantry is typicallyprovided with the ability to translate the at least one pipette deviceassembly 10 vertically and either longitudinally or laterally.

In one example embodiment, the automated pipetting workstation 300further comprises a main controller 306, a pipette axis controller 308,and a power supply 310 that provides power for the main controller 306,the pipette axis controller 308, and at least one pipette deviceassembly 10.

Additionally, and in one example embodiment, a computer/controller 320can also be employed with the workstation 300 and communicate with themain controller 306 and the pipette axis controller 308 for controllingthe robotic gantry 302 and the at least one pipette device assembly 10including the associated process protocols of the at least one pipettedevice assembly 10 such as the disposable pipette tip 220 attaching andejection (coupling and decoupling) processes detailed below.

In one example embodiment, the computer/controller 320 typicallycomprises a processor device or central processing unit (CPU) 322, ahardware read only memory device (ROM) 324, a hardware main memorydevice (RAM) 326, a hardware storage memory 328 comprising anon-transitory computer readable medium or memory 330 having anoperating system 332 and software 334 such as user defined processes 336for the pipette device assembly 10 stored thereby, a user display 338, auser input device 340, an input interface 342, an output interface 344,a communication interface device 346, and a system bus 348 thatcomprises one or more conductor or communication paths that permitcommunication among the devices of the computer/controller 320.Computer/controller 320 may also be operatively coupled to LAN and/orserver 350. A power supply 352 provides power for thecomputer/controller 320.

Examples of the above delineated automated pipetting workstation 300including software are presently manufactured and sold by HamiltonCompany, the assignee of the present patent application, located at 4970Energy Way, Reno, Nev. 89502, United States of America.

Pipette Tip Pickup Process with Pipette Tip Coupler 100

FIGS. 18 through 28 illustrate details of successive stages of anexample method of securing attachment of the pipette tip 220 to thepipette tip coupler 100 operatively carried by the pipette device 20. Asnoted above, and in one example embodiment, the pipette tip 220 may beinitially supported for pickup by the support surface 282 disposed on,for example, deck 304.

With the pipette tip coupler 100 connected to the pipette device 20, andupon initialization, the pipette tip coupler 100 is positioned over theopen proximal end 232 of the supported pipette tip 220 wherein theirrespective central longitudinal axes 101 (FIG. 12) and 224 (FIG. 14) aregenerally aligned along the Z-axis as illustrated in FIG. 18. The ejectsleeve 62 is in the eject position, the squeeze piston 46 is in theunsqueezed position, and the primary and secondary O-rings 160, 180 arein the unsqueezed state.

Next, FIG. 19 illustrates the step of the pipette tip coupler 100 beingmoved down along the Z-axis into the pipette tip 220 and then lowered,causing the distal, elastomeric carrying portions, of the pipette tipcoupler 100 to pass into the interior cylindrical proximal end portionsof the pipette tip 220 to bring the secondary O-ring 180 into contactwith the tip annular sealing seat or stop surface 270 while maintainingthe primary O-ring 160 in the unsqueezed state and before the annularshoulder seat or stop surface 260 of the pipette tip 220 and the axialstop shoulder surface 134 of the pipette tip coupler 100 are mated suchthat a gap 298 is maintained between the annular shoulder seat or stopsurface 260 of the pipette tip 220 and the axial stop shoulder surface134.

Next, FIGS. 20 through 22 illustrate the step of the squeeze sleeve 46being moved down along the Z-axis and pushing against the LLD circuitring end 366 which contacts with and pushes against the top surface 208of the annular squeeze ring 200 having the bottom end 212 surmountingthe primary O-ring 160 wherein the primary O-ring 160 starts to besqueezed and subsequently extruded into the groove 246. As illustratedin FIG. 21, and in particular, the primary O-ring 160 is extruded intothe groove 246 and into abutment with the upper axially arcuatecircumferential surface sector portion 250 of the axially arcuatecircumferential interior surface 244 (FIG. 15) defining the groove 246.

Referring to FIG. 20, the action of the primary O-ring 160 extrudinginto the groove 246 causes an axial upward force that pulls the pipettetip 220 up for starting a process of seating the annular shoulder seat260 of the pipette tip 220 with the axial stop shoulder surface 134 ofthe stop disk 130 for closing the gap 298 (FIG. 19) and compressing thesecondary O-ring 180 with the frustoconical annular sealing seat 270 ofthe tip 220.

FIGS. 23 through 25 illustrate a further step of the squeeze piston 46continuing to move further down along the Z-axis resulting in theannular squeeze ring 200 continuing to push down on and squeeze theprimary O-ring 160 for extruding the primary O-ring 160 further into thegroove 246 of the pipette tip 220 further closing gap 298 (FIG. 19) andfurther into abutment with the upper axially arcuate circumferentialsurface sector portion 250 for pulling the tip axially up along theZ-axis causing the secondary O-ring 180 to be further compressed againstannular sealing seat 270 such that its cross-section is no longercircular as illustrated in FIG. 25.

FIGS. 26 through 28 illustrate a further step of the squeeze piston 46being moved down along the Z-axis a pre-calibrated or predeterminedlength until it is locked in position resulting in the annular squeezering 200 being stopped and locked in position by the squeeze piston 46.As a result, the primary O-ring 160 is compressed circumferentially to adesired value for fully seating the axial stop shoulder surface 134 ofthe pipette tip coupler 100 against the annular shoulder seat surface260 of the pipette tip 220 with the seating of the two surfaces 134, 260along an X-axis substantially perpendicular to the Z-axis for forming anormal datum between the X-axis and Z-axis. Concurrently, the secondaryO-ring 180 is compressed to a desired value for seating and sealing thesecondary O-ring 180 with the annular sealing seat surface 270 of thetip 220 as illustrated in FIG. 28 such that its cross-section is in itsfinal compressed non-circular form. Accordingly, FIGS. 26 through 28illustrate the completion of the securing attachment process.

Upon completion of the securing attachment process, the primary andsecondary elastomeric elements 160, 180 work in combination to produce afluid-tight seal wherein the first elastomeric element 160 is at leastpartially seated in the circumferential arcuate interior surface 244defining the circumferential groove 246 and wherein the secondelastomeric element 180 seals against the radially inwardly angled anddistally extending surface 270 of the pipette tip 220.

Ejection Process

FIGS. 18 through 28 illustrate, in reverse, details of successive stagesof an example method or process of ejecting the pipette tip 220 from thepipette tip coupler 100 operatively carried by the pipette device 20.Thus, the tip ejection process sequence is similar to the attachment ortip pickup securing process sequence detailed above, except in reverse.In one example embodiment, the tip ejection process comprises the stepsof: (1) positioning the tip where it is to be discarded, such as a wastecontainer; (2) moving the squeeze piston 46 upward wherein the primaryO-ring 160 starts to retract from the groove 246 in the tip 220,secondary O-ring 180 starts to release stored elastic potential energyas a force against the tip, and wherein the spring loaded eject sleeve62 also pushes against the tip to push it off such that the tip beginsto release from the primary O-ring 160 and coupler body member 120; (3)continually moving the squeeze piston 46 upward wherein the primaryO-ring 160 continues to retract from the groove 246 in the tip 220 andwherein the secondary O-ring 180 and the spring loaded eject sleeve 62pushes against the tip 220 to push it off wherein the tip 220 continuesto release from the primary O-ring 160 and the coupler body member 120;(4) continually moving the squeeze piston 46 to its upper most positionwherein the primary O-ring 160 returns to its original shape and iscompletely free of the groove 246 in the tip 220 and wherein thesecondary O-ring 180 returns to its original shape and the spring loadedeject sleeve 62 pushes against the tip 220 until the tip is pushed offof the coupler body member 120 by the spring loaded eject sleeve 62 andthe spring loaded eject sleeve 62 becomes fully extended.

In light of the foregoing, those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthis tip mounting and ejection processes are applicable to a wide rangeof mechanically and/or automatically driven pipette types and designs.

Coupling Forces

FIG. 29 illustrates a vector diagram of the primary O-ring 160 extrudinginto the groove 246 and an axial upward force pulling the pipette tip220 upward wherein the primary O-ring 160 pushes against the upper part250 (FIG. 27) of the tip groove 246 with a force (Fprimary_resultant)and the secondary O-ring 180 has a force (Fsecondary_resultant) thatresults from being compressed.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, the primary O-ring force (Fprimary_resultant)is comprised of two components: an axial upward force component(Fprimary_axial) and a radial force component (Fprimary_radial). Theprimary O-ring axial force component (Fprimary_axial) seats the stopshoulder surface 134 against the axial stop surface 260 of tip 220 andprovides the force required to compress the secondary O-ring 180 whilethe primary O-ring radial force component (Fprimary_radial) provides theradial force needed to seal the primary O-ring 160 against the upperpart 250 of the tip groove 246.

As further illustrated in FIG. 29, the secondary O-ring 180 is alsocomprised of two components: an axial force component (Fsecondary_axial)and a radial force component (Fsecondary_radial).

The secondary O-ring axial force component (Fsecondary_axial) provides acounter force to the primary O-ring axial force component(Fprimary_axial) that benefits the sealing of the primary O-ring 160 bypulling the tip 220 down wherein this pressure further pushes or biasesthe primary O-ring 160 into the upper corner or upper part 250 of thetip groove 246. The secondary O-ring axial force component(Fsecondary_axial) also provides force to help remove the tip 220 uponejection.

The secondary O-ring radial force component (Fsecondary_radial) providesthe radial force needed to seal the secondary O-ring 180 against theannular sealing seat or stop surface 270 of the tip 220.

The axial shoulder surface 134 of coupler body member 120 and the axialshoulder seat 260 of tip 220 are important for correct tip alignment.Accordingly, and as illustrated in FIG. 29, the coupler 100 and tip 220are configured so that the primary O-ring axial force pushes the axialshoulder surface 134 and the axial shoulder seat 260 together topreclude misalignment because if the shoulders are not properly mated,especially if they are tilted, a misalignment error (E) is significantas described below.

Misalignment

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, the relationship between the misalignmentangle (Ø), the tip axial distance (D) and positional error (E) is:E=D*TAN (Ø). For example, with a misalignment angle (Ø) of two degreesand a tip axial distance of ninety millimeters, the positional error (E)is 3.14 millimeters. This is considered to be very high consideringtypical positional error tolerances are typically plus or minus 0.5millimeters.

Alignment

FIG. 32 illustrates correct tip alignment with the axial shouldersurface 134 and the axial shoulder seat 260 in flush contact with oneanother to provide proper alignment and to maintain the tip axialdistance D from the tip seat 260 to the distal end 230 constant toestablish a known and controlled distance of the pipette tip end 230along the vertical or axial axis Z (FIG. 26) and a perpendicular axis X(FIG. 26). This is important to allow the pipette device to target smallholes and small volumes of liquid. Additionally, smaller volumes ofliquid can be transferred resulting from the known fixed distance of thepipette tip allowing for a controlled touch of the pipette tip/liquid tothe working surface 290 onto or from which liquid 292 is to betransferred.

Dimensions and Relationships

For proper use and operation, and referring to FIGS. 6 through 16, thedimensions between the coupler 100 and tip 220 are related accordingly.In particular, tip internal diameters of first section 242 and secondsection 262 must be larger than the diameter of the first cylindricalportion and the second cylindrical portion 130, 132 respectively.However, they must not be too much bigger, as this may result in a poorfit and/or misalignment.

Additionally, the diameter of tip groove 246 must be large enough toallow the primary O-ring 160 to pull the tip up adequately lock the tip220 in place. Conversely, if it is too big, the primary O-ring 160 maynot be able to be extruded sufficiently to get a good lock and/or seal.

The dimension between tip seat 260 to groove 246 dimension must bematched to the stop disk seat 134 to O-ring 160 mounting surface 122 forproviding proper coupling between the tip 220 and coupler 100.

The tip seat 260 to secondary O-ring seal land 270 dimensions must matchthe stop disk seat 134 to secondary O-ring groove 154 dimension. Thesedimensions control the amount that the secondary O-ring 180 iscompressed, and thus how well it seals.

As illustrated in FIG. 32, the tip seat 260 to distal end 230 axialdimension D along with the mating of the coupling seats establish aknown and controlled distance of the pipette tip end 230 along thevertical or axial axis Z and a perpendicular axis X. This is importantto allow the pipette device to target small holes and small volumes ofliquid. Additionally, smaller volumes of liquid can be transferredresulting from the known fixed distance of the pipette tip allowing fora controlled touch of the pipette tip/liquid to the working surface 290onto or from which liquid 292 is to be transferred.

As illustrated, in FIG. 32 the fully mated tip and stop diskseating/coupling surfaces 134, 260 provide proper alignment and maintainthe tip axial distance D.

Liquid Level Detection (LLD) Circuit Contacts

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 33, and in one example embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the pipette device assembly 10 comprise a liquidlevel detection circuit assembly having an ability to detect a surfaceof a liquid being transferred or a surface onto or from which liquid isbeing transferred.

Referring to FIG. 33, and in one example embodiment, the liquid leveldetection circuit assembly comprises a liquid level detection or LLDcircuit board 360 comprising processing circuitry 362 electricallycoupled to a LLD circuit contact 364 operatively coupled to the squeezepiston 46 which is made from an electrically non-conducting material soit is insulated from the rest of the assembly. Additionally, the LLDcircuit contact 364 terminates to a circuit contact ring end 366 (FIG.26) recessed in the bottom area of the squeeze sleeve 46 that isconfigured for selectively contacting the circuit contact ring end 366with squeeze ring 200 between the non-contact state illustrated in FIG.18 and the contact state illustrated in FIG. 26. In one exampleembodiment, the primary O-ring 160 is made using an electricallyconductive elastomeric material. Thus, in the contact state, the squeezering 200 compresses the primary O-ring 160 for coupling the primaryO-ring 160 with the interior first working surface of tip 220 forcompleting the circuit between the processing circuitry 362 of the LLDcircuit board 360 and the tip 220 which is also made from anelectrically conductive material.

Additionally, the stop disk mounting post or distal mounting flange 36(FIG. 26) is made from a non-conducting material. Therefore, the bodymember 120 (FIG. 6) and primary O-ring 160 are insulated from the restof the assembly.

Furthermore, the processing circuitry 362 of the LLD circuit board 362detects a signal change when the tip 220 contacts liquid thereby havingan ability to detect a surface of a liquid being transferred or asurface onto or from which liquid is being transferred. Again, actuationoccurs when the coupler 100 (FIG. 26) is attached to the tip 220 and theprimary O-ring is compressed and locked into the tip groove of the tip220.

Pipette Device Assembly with Pipette Tip Coupler 400

FIG. 34 illustrates an example embodiment of the pipette device assembly10 comprising the pipette device 20, a pipette tip coupler 400, and thedisposable pipette tip 220 removably coupled to the pipette device 20 byway of the pipette tip coupler 400.

In comparison to one another, the one difference between the pipette tipcoupler 400 and the pipette tip coupler 100 are the respective uppercircular body end surfaces 122 (FIG. 7) and 402 (FIG. 35); therefore,the numbering of the new portions of the coupler 400 is be updated toreflect the change and all other numbering for like elements andportions remain unchanged.

Referring to FIGS. 34 through 36, an example embodiment of the pipettetip coupler 400 comprises the elongated head or shank member 102surmounting the pipette tip coupler body member 120, the primaryelastomeric element 160 carried at the proximate or upper end portion ofthe pipette tip coupler body 120, the secondary elastomeric element 180carried at the distal or lower end portion of the pipette tip couplerbody 120, and the squeeze member in the form of, but not limited to, anannular planar squeeze ring 200 surmounting the primary elastomericelement 160 such that the primary elastomeric element 160 is interposedbetween the superior, or proximal, or upper end surface 402 and theannular planar squeeze ring 200.

Superior, Proximal, or Upper End Surface 402

As illustrated in FIG. 35, the superior, proximal, or upper end surface402 of the example embodiment of the pipette tip coupler 400 comprises asubstantially planar upper inner abbreviated circular surface section404 radially transitioning from the distal end 116 of the cylindricalcollar 114 to an inclined outer annular upper surface section 406defining an outer conical upper surface section 406 that terminates toan outer peripheral edge 408 of the first cylindrical portion or stopdisk 130.

The outer conical upper surface section 406 can also be formed by aplurality of concentrically adjacent outer annular inclined uppersurface sections each having a different degree of inclination such as,but not limited to, a first outer annular inclined upper surface sectionconcentrically adjacent and circumscribed by a second outer annularinclined upper surface section having a greater inclination than thefirst outer annular inclined upper surface section.

Pipette Tip Pickup Process with Pipette Tip Coupler 400

FIGS. 36 through 40 illustrate details of successive stages of anexample method of securing attachment of the pipette tip 220 to thepipette tip coupler 400 operatively carried by the pipette device 20.Pipette tip 220 may be supported as detailed above.

With the pipette tip coupler 400 connected to the pipette device 20, andupon initialization, the pipette tip coupler 400 is positioned over theopen proximal end 232 of the pipette tip 220 wherein each of theirrespective central longitudinal axes is aligned along the Z-axis asillustrated in FIG. 36. The eject sleeve 62 is in the eject position,the squeeze piston 46 is in the unsqueezed position, and the primary andsecondary O-rings 160, 180 are in the unsqueezed state.

Next, FIG. 37 illustrates the step of the pipette tip coupler 400 beingmoved down along the Z-axis into the pipette tip 220 and then lowered,causing the distal, elastomeric carrying portions, of the pipette tipcoupler 400 to pass into the interior cylindrical proximal end portionsof the pipette tip 220 to bring the secondary O-ring 180 into contactwith the tip annular sealing seat or stop surface 270 while maintainingthe primary O-ring 160 in the unsqueezed state and before the annularshoulder seat or axial stop surface 260 of the pipette tip 220 and theaxial stop shoulder surface 134 of the pipette tip coupler 400 are matedsuch that a gap 298 is maintained between the annular shoulder seat orstop surface 260 of the pipette tip 220 and the axial stop shouldersurface 134 of the pipette tip coupler 400.

Next, FIG. 38 illustrates the step of the squeeze piston 46 being moveddown along the Z-axis and pushing against the LLD circuit ring end 366which contacts with and pushes against the top surface 208 of theannular squeeze ring 200 having the bottom end 212 surmounting theprimary O-ring 160 wherein the primary O-ring 160 starts to be squeezedand subsequently extruded into the groove 246 and into abutment with theupper axially arcuate circumferential surface sector portion 250 of theaxially arcuate circumferential interior surface 244 (FIG. 15) definingthe groove 246.

As illustrated in FIG. 38, the action of the primary O-ring 160extruding into the groove 246 causes an axial upward force that pullsthe pipette tip 220 up for starting a process of seating the annularshoulder seat surface 260 of the pipette tip 220 with the axial stopshoulder surface 134 of coupler 400 for closing the gap 298 (FIG. 37)and compressing the secondary O-ring 180 with the frustoconical annularsealing seat surface or stop surface 270 of the tip 220.

FIG. 39 illustrates the next step of the squeeze piston 46 continuing tomove further down along the Z-axis with the annular squeeze ring 200,via LLD circuit ring end 366, continuing to push down on the primaryO-ring 160 for extruding the primary O-ring 160 further into the groove246 of the pipette tip 220 and further into abutment with the upperaxially arcuate circumferential surface sector portion 250 for pullingthe tip axially up along the Z-axis for further closing gap 298 (FIG.37) and causing the secondary O-ring 180 to be further compressedagainst annular sealing seat or stop surface 270 such that itscross-section is no longer circular as illustrated in FIG. 36.

FIG. 40 illustrates the finishing step of the squeeze piston 46finishing moving down along the Z-axis a pre-calibrated or predeterminedlength until it is locked in position resulting in the annular squeezering 200 being stopped and locked in position by the squeeze piston 46,via LLD circuit ring end 366. As a result, the primary O-ring 160 iscompressed circumferentially to a desired value for fully seating theaxial stop shoulder surface 134 of the pipette tip coupler 400 againstthe annular shoulder seat surface 260 of the pipette tip 220 with theseating of the two surfaces 134, 260 along an X-axis substantiallyperpendicular to the Z-axis for forming a normal datum between the twoaxes while the secondary O-ring 180 is compressed to a desired value forseating the secondary O-ring 180 with the annular sealing seat or stopsurface 270 of the tip 220 such that its cross-section is in its finalcompressed non-circular form thereby completing the coupling of thepipette tip coupler 400 with the pipette tip 200. Upon completion of thesecuring attachment process, the first and second elastomeric elements160, 180 work in combination to produce a fluid-tight seal wherein thefirst elastomeric element 160 is at least partially seated in thecircumferential arcuate interior surface 244 (FIG. 15) defining thecircumferential groove 246 and wherein the second elastomeric element180 seals against the radially inwardly angled and distally extendingsurface 270 of the pipette tip 220.

It should be noted that the inclined outer annular upper surface section406 (FIG. 35) results in the extrusion of the primary O-ring 160 to bemore concentrated on portion 250 and angled toward the edge 248 (FIG.16) as illustrated in FIG. 41.

Ejection Process

The tip ejection process sequence follows the attachment or tip pickupsecuring process sequence except in reverse. In reverse, FIGS. 36through 40 illustrate, details of successive stages of an example methodor process of ejecting the pipette tip 220 from the pipette tip coupler400 operatively carried by the pipette device 20. This processanalogously follows the above detailed description for ejecting thepipette tip 220 from the pipette tip coupler 100, operatively carried bythe pipette device 20.

Coupling Forces

FIG. 41 illustrates a diagrammatical vector diagram of the primaryO-ring 160 of pipette tip coupler 400 extruding into the groove 246 andthe axial upward force pulling the pipette tip 220 upward wherein theprimary O-ring 160 pushes against the upper part 250 of the tip groove246 with a force (Fprimary_resultant) and the secondary O-ring 180 has aforce (Fsecondary_resultant) that results from being compressed.

As illustrated in FIG. 41, the primary O-ring force (Fprimary_resultant)is comprised of two components: an axial force component(Fprimary_axial) and a radial force component (Fprimary_radial). Theprimary O-ring axial force component (Fprimary_axial) seats the stopshoulder surface 134 of pipette tip coupler 400 against the axial stopsurface 260 of tip 220 and provides the force required to compress thesecondary O-ring 180 while the primary O-ring radial force component(Fprimary_radial) provides the radial force needed to seal the primaryO-ring 160 against the upper part 250 of the tip groove 246.

FIG. 41 further illustrates that the secondary O-ring 180 is alsocomprised of two components: an axial force component (Fsecondary_axial)and a radial force component (Fsecondary_radial). The secondary O-ringaxial force component (Fsecondary_axial) provides a counter force to theprimary O-ring axial force component (Fprimary_axial) that benefits thesealing of the primary O-ring 160 by pulling the tip 220 down whereinthis pressure further pushes or biases the primary O-ring 160 into theupper corner or upper part 250 of the tip groove 246. The secondaryO-ring axial force component (Fsecondary_axial) also provides force tohelp remove the tip 220 during ejection. The secondary O-ring radialforce component (Fsecondary_radial) provides the radial force needed toseal the secondary O-ring 180 against the annular sealing seat or stopsurface 270 of the tip 220.

Alignment/Misalignment

With respect to coupler 400, it is noted that the axial shoulder surface134 and the axial shoulder seat 260 of tip 220 follow the sameimportance for correct tip alignment as described in detail above forcoupler 100.

Dimensions and Relationships

For proper use and operation, dimensions between the coupler 400 and tip220 are related accordingly as described in detail above for coupler100.

Pipette Device Assembly with Pipette Tip Coupler 500

FIG. 42 illustrates an example embodiment of the pipette device assembly10 comprising the pipette device 20, a pipette tip coupler device 500,and the disposable pipette tip 220 removably coupled to the pipettedevice 20 by way of the pipette tip coupler 500. In comparison to oneanother, and as detailed below, the difference between the pipette tipcoupler 500 and the pipette tip couplers 100 and 400 are respectivesuperior or upper body end surfaces 502 (FIG. 44), 122 (FIG. 7), and 402(FIG. 35) of each coupler and the squeeze rings 600 (FIG. 45) and 200(FIG. 11). Accordingly, the numbering of the new portions of the coupler500 will be updated to reflect these changes and all other numbering forlike elements and portions will remain unchanged. However, annularplanar squeeze ring 200 may be used with pipette tip coupler 500 inplace of annular wedge squeeze ring 600. Similarly, annular wedgesqueeze ring 600 may be used with pipette tip coupler 100 or pipette tipcoupler 400 in place of annular planar squeeze ring 200.

Pipette Tip Coupler 500

Referring to FIGS. 42 and 43, pipette tip coupler 500 comprises theelongated head or shank member 102 surmounting the pipette tip couplerbody member 120, the primary elastomeric element 160 carried at aproximate or upper end portion of the pipette tip coupler body 120, thesecondary elastomeric element 180 carried at a distal or lower endportion of the pipette tip coupler body 120, and a squeeze member in theform of, but not limited to, an annular wedge squeeze ring 600. Wedgesqueeze ring 600 surmounts the primary elastomeric element 160 such thatthe primary elastomeric element 160 is interposed between a superior,proximal, or upper end surface 502 (FIG. 44) of the pipette tip couplerbody 120 and a wedge side 614 (FIG. 45) of the annular wedge squeezering 600.

Superior, Proximal, or Upper End Surface 502

Referring to FIG. 44, the pipette tip coupler 500 comprises thesuperior, proximal, or upper end surface 502 of the pipette tip couplerbody 120 that comprises a substantially planar inner annular uppersurface section 504 that transitions from the distal end 116 of thecylindrical collar 114 to an outer circumference 506 that transitionsinto a downwardly inclined radially outwardly extending annular uppersurface slope section 508 that transitions into a slightly concaved,upwardly inclined, radially outwardly extending annular upper surfacesection 510 that terminates to a rounded upper lift edge 512 thatradially outwardly and downwardly transitions to the outer peripheryedge of the pipette tip stop disk 130 of the coupler body 120.

Accordingly, and as illustrated in FIG. 46, an embodiment of the upperend surface 502 comprises a generally flattened and spread apartU-shaped cross section or concave wedge shaped cross section defined byhaving an outer leg with a length greater than a length of an inner legand an outer leg with a slope that is less than an inner leg slope withrespect to a central curved portion of the generally flattened andspread apart U-shaped or concave wedge shaped cross section.

Annular Wedge Squeeze Ring 600

Referring to FIG. 45, and in one example embodiment, the annular wedgesqueeze ring 600 comprises a resilient wedge shaped annular body 602having a circumferentially continuous, generally wedge shaped ortriangular shaped cross section 604 as illustrated in FIG. 46.Additionally, the resilient wedge shaped annular body 602 comprises acentral interior annular surface 606 defining a central annular opening608 extending through the annular body 602. The wedge shaped annularbody 602 further comprises a top planar circular surface 610 radiallyoutwardly extending from the central interior annular surface 606 to acircumscribing axially extending outer edge surface 612. Moreover, thewedge shaped annular body 602 comprises a radially outwardly proximallyinclined annular bottom surface 614 radially extending from the centralinterior annular surface 606 to the circumscribing axially extendingouter edge surface 612 wherein a first axial length of the centralinterior annular surface 606 is greater than a second axial length ofthe outer edge surface 612.

Referring to FIGS. 45 and 46, the central annular opening 606 of theannular wedge squeeze ring 600 is dimensioned to allow the distalmounting flange 36, with the pipette tip coupler 500 fitted therein, topass through so as to allow a seating abutment of radially outwardlyproximally inclined annular bottom surface 614 with primary elastomericmember 160 carried on the upper end surface 502 of the pipette tipcoupler body 120 of the pipette tip coupler 500. Additionally, the topplanar surface 610 of the annular squeeze ring 600 is initially spacedfrom the distal end 50 of the squeeze piston 46 in a home position suchthat the upper elastomeric element 160 is in the relaxed or unsqueezedstate. Accordingly, actuation of the squeeze motor 52 (FIG. 42) in thefirst direction results in linear axial translation of the squeezesleeve 46 in a distal or vertically downward direction for axiallysqueezing the primary elastomeric member 160 between the radiallyoutwardly proximally inclined annular bottom surface 614 of the annularsqueeze ring 600 and the upper end surface 502 of the pipette tipcoupler 500 such that an axial height of the upper elastomeric member160 increases from an inner to an outer radius and the radial axis isupwardly or proximally inclined in a squeezed state as compared to an atrest state. In other words, the annular wedge squeeze ring 600 providesa radially inclined displacement of the upper elastomeric member 160upon its axial compression by the axial force applied to the top planarcircular surface 610 by a controlled axial pressing engagement of thesqueeze sleeve 46 with the top surface 610 of the annular wedge squeezering 600 as illustrated in FIG. 52 and described below.

Pipette Tip Pickup Process with Pipette Tip Coupler 500

FIGS. 46 through 52 illustrate details of successive stages of a pipettetip pickup method or a method of securing attachment of the pipette tip220 to the pipette tip coupler 500 operatively carried by the pipettedevice 20 (FIG. 42). As noted above, and in one example embodiment, thepipette tip 220 may be supported by the support surface 282 (FIG. 18).

With the pipette tip coupler 500 connected to the pipette device 20, andupon initialization, the pipette tip coupler 500 is positioned over theopen proximal end 232 of the pipette tip 220 wherein each of theirrespective central longitudinal axes is aligned along the Z-axis asillustrated in FIG. 46. The eject sleeve 62 is in the eject position,the squeeze piston 46 is in the unsqueezed position, and the primary andsecondary O-rings 160, 180 are in the unsqueezed state.

Next, FIG. 47 illustrates the step of the pipette tip coupler 500 beingmoved down along the Z-axis into the pipette tip 220 and then lowered,causing the elastomeric carrying portions of the pipette tip coupler 500to pass into the interior cylindrical proximal end portions of thepipette tip 220 to bring the secondary O-ring 180 into contact with thetip annular sealing seat or stop surface 270 while maintaining theprimary O-ring 160 in the unsqueezed state and before the annularshoulder seat or stop surface 260 of the pipette tip 220 and the axialstop shoulder surface 134 of the pipette tip coupler 500 are mated suchthat a gap 298 is maintained between the annular shoulder seat or stopsurface 260 of the pipette tip 220 and the axial stop shoulder surface134 of the pipette tip coupler 500.

Next, FIG. 48 illustrates the step of the squeeze piston 46 being moveddown along the Z-axis into and pushing against the LLD circuit ring end366 which contacts with and pushes against the top surface 610 of theannular wedge squeeze ring 600 having the bottom end 614 surmounting theprimary O-ring 160 wherein the primary O-ring 160 starts to be squeezedand subsequently extruded into the groove 246. As illustrated, theaction of the primary O-ring 160 extruding into the groove 246 causes anaxial upward force that pulls the pipette tip 220 up for starting aprocess of seating the annular shoulder seat surface 260 of the pipettetip 220 with the axial stop shoulder surface 134 of the pipette tipcoupler 500 for closing the gap 298 (FIG. 47) and compressing thesecondary O-ring 180 with the sealing seat surface 270 of the tip 220.

Next, FIG. 49 illustrates the step of the squeeze piston 46 continuingto move further down along the Z-axis with the annular wedge squeezering 600, via LLD circuit ring end 366, continuing to push down on theprimary O-ring 160 for extruding the primary O-ring 160 further into thegroove 246 of the pipette tip 220 for providing further abutment withthe upper axially arcuate circumferential surface sector portion 250 asillustrated in detail in FIG. 50 for pulling the tip axially up alongthe Z-axis for further closing gap 298 (FIG. 47) and causing thesecondary O-ring 180 to be further compressed against annular sealingseat surface 270 as illustrated in detail in FIG. 51 such that itscross-section is no longer circular.

FIG. 52 illustrates the step of the squeeze piston 46 being moved downalong the Z-axis a pre-calibrated or predetermined length until it islocked in position resulting in the annular wedge squeeze ring 600 beingstopped and locked in position by the squeeze piston 46 via the LLDcircuit ring end 366. As a result, the primary O-ring 160 is compressedcircumferentially to a desired value for fully seating the axial stopshoulder surface 134 of the pipette tip coupler 500 against the annularshoulder seat surface 260 of the pipette tip 220 with the seating of thetwo surfaces 134, 260 along an X-axis substantially perpendicular to theZ-axis for forming a normal datum between the two axes while thesecondary O-ring 180 is compressed to a desired value for seating andsealing the secondary O-ring 180 with the annular sealing seat or stopsurface 270 of the tip 220 such that its cross-section is in its finalcompressed non-circular form thereby completing the coupling of thepipette tip coupler 500 with the pipette tip 200. Upon completion of thesecuring attachment process, the first and second elastomeric elements160, 180 work in combination to produce a fluid-tight seal wherein thefirst elastomeric element 160 is at least partially seated in thecircumferential arcuate interior surface 244 (FIG. 15) defining thecircumferential groove 246 and wherein the second elastomeric element180 seals against the radially inwardly angled and distally extendingsurface 270 of the pipette tip 220.

The inclined outer annular upper surface section 510 (FIG. 44) alongwith the annular wedge squeeze ring 600 provide an extrusion of theprimary O-ring 160 to be more concentrated on portion 250 and angledtoward the edge 248 (FIG. 16) as illustrated in FIG. 53.

Ejection Process

In reverse, FIGS. 46 through 52 illustrate details of successive stagesof an example method or process of ejecting the pipette tip 220 from thepipette tip coupler 500 operatively carried by the pipette device 20.This tip ejection process sequence is similar to the attachment or tippickup securing process sequence described above except in reverse.

Coupling Forces

FIG. 53 illustrates a diagrammatical vector diagram of the primaryO-ring 160 of pipette tip coupler 500 being extruded into the groove 246by squeezing with a resultant axial upward force pulling the pipette tip220 upward wherein the primary O-ring 160 pushes against the upper part250 of the tip groove 246 with a force (Fprimary_resultant) and thesecondary O-ring 180 has a force (Fsecondary_resultant) that resultsfrom being compressed.

As illustrated in FIG. 53, the primary O-ring force (Fprimary_resultant)is comprised of two components: an axial force component(Fprimary_axial) and a radial force component (Fprimary_radial). Theprimary O-ring axial force component (Fprimary_axial) seats the stopshoulder surface 134 of coupler 500 against the axial stop surface 260of tip 220 and provides the force required to compress the secondaryO-ring 180 while the primary O-ring radial force component(Fprimary_radial) provides the radial force needed to seal the primaryO-ring 160 against the upper part 250 of the tip groove 246.

FIG. 53 further illustrates that the secondary O-ring 180 is alsocomprised of two components: an axial force component (Fsecondary_axial)and a radial force component (Fsecondary_radial). The secondary O-ringaxial force component (Fsecondary_axial) provides a counter force to theprimary O-ring axial force component (Fprimary_axial) that benefits thesealing of the primary O-ring 160 by pulling the tip 220 down whereinthis pressure further pushes or biases the primary O-ring 160 into theupper corner or upper part 250 of the tip groove 246. The secondaryO-ring axial force component (Fsecondary_axial) also provides force tohelp remove the tip 220 during ejection. The secondary O-ring radialforce component (Fsecondary_radial) provides the radial force needed toseal the secondary O-ring 180 against the annular sealing seat or stopsurface 270 of the tip 220.

Alignment/Misalignment

With respect to pipette tip coupler 500, it is noted that the axialshoulder surface 134 of coupler 500 and the axial shoulder seat 260 oftip 220 are important for correct tip alignment as noted above forcoupler 100.

Dimensions and Relationships

Additionally, respect to pipette tip coupler 500, it is noted that forproper use and operation, dimensions between the coupler 500 and tip 220are related accordingly as noted above for coupler 100.

Securing Attachment Method

In light of the above detailed disclosure, and in one exampleembodiment, a method is provided for securing attachment of at least onepipette tip to at least one pipette tip coupler carried by a pipettedevice, the method comprising: (1) providing a pipette tip comprising asidewall having an interior circumscribing surface defining a passageopening extending between an open distal end intended for immersion in amedium to be pipetted and an open proximal end opposite in an axialdirection to the open distal end; (2) providing a pipette tip couplercomprising a distally facing axial stop shoulder surface formed by anaxially stepped coupler shoulder of an exterior circumscribing surfaceof the pipette tip coupler, the distally facing axial stop shouldersurface complementary to a proximally facing axial stop surface formedby an axially stepped shoulder surface of the interior circumscribingsurface of the sidewall of the pipette tip; (3) providing a proximalelastomeric element carried by the pipette tip coupler at a locationsuperior to the axially stepped coupler shoulder; (4) providing a distalelastomeric element carried by the pipette tip coupler at a locationinferior to the axially stepped coupler shoulder; (5) locating a distalend of the pipette tip coupler over the open proximal end of the pipettetip with an axial alignment between a central longitudinal axis of thepipette tip coupler and a central longitudinal axis of the pipette tip;(6) translating the distal end of the pipette tip coupler through theopen proximal end of the pipette tip until the distal elastomericelement contacts a circumferential radially inwardly angled and distallyextending interior working surface of the interior circumscribingsurface of the sidewall of the pipette tip distal from the axiallystepped shoulder of the interior circumscribing surface of the sidewallof the pipette tip; and (7) axially squeezing the proximal elastomericelement into an axially compressed radially expanded state for extrudingthe primary O-ring into abutment with an upper axially arcuatecircumferential surface sector portion of an axially arcuatecircumferential interior surface defining a groove formed into theinterior circumscribing surface of the sidewall of the pipette tip at alocation superior to the axial stop surface of the pipette tip forproviding a proximally directed radial and axial resultant pre-stressforce to the pipette tip for energizing the distal elastomeric elementinto a compressed state configured for providing an axial and radialsealing abutment of the outer circumferential portion of the distalelastomeric element with the circumferential radially inwardly angledand distally extending interior working surface of the interiorcircumscribing surface of the sidewall of the pipette tip, and forabutting the proximally facing axial stop surface of the pipette tipwith the distally facing axial stop surface of said pipette tip couplerbody to define an axial coupling position of the pipette tip on thepipette tip coupler device.

Alternative Sealing Seat Surfaces

In a further embodiment, FIG. 54 illustrates a fragmentary, longitudinalsectional, side elevational view of the example embodiment of thedisposable pipette tip 220 comprising an alternative sealing seatsurface 2270 having an angle of substantially ninety degrees relative tothe central longitudinal axis 224 of the pipette tip 220.

FIG. 55 illustrates the second example embodiment of the pipette tipcoupler device 400 positioned over and axially aligned with the exampleembodiment of the disposable pipette tip comprising the alternativesealing seat surface 2270.

FIG. 56 illustrates the second example embodiment of the pipette tipcoupler device 400 positioned in the disposable pipette tip 220comprising the ninety-degree sealing seat surface 2270 wherein the tip220 is lifted up to its final seated state with the distal elastomericelement 180 in a final compressed and seated sealing state against thesealing seat surface 2270 having the alternative sealing seat surfaceangle of substantially ninety degrees.

In a further embodiment, FIG. 57 illustrates a fragmentary, longitudinalsectional, side elevational view of the upper interior of the exampleembodiment of the disposable pipette tip 220 comprising anotheralternative sealing seat surface in the form of a circumferentialradially concave sealing seat surface 3270 that is further illustratedin detail in FIG. 58.

FIG. 59 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional, side elevational viewof the example embodiment of the disposable pipette tip 220 illustratingdetail of a further alternative sealing seat surface in the form of acircumferential radially convex sealing seat surface 4270 that isfurther illustrated in detail in FIG. 60.

In a further embodiment, FIG. 61 illustrates a fragmentary, longitudinalsectional, side elevational view of the example embodiment of thedisposable pipette tip 200 illustrating a yet further alternativesealing seat surface in the form of a circumferential upward facingtooth edge sealing seat surface 5270 that is further illustrated indetail in FIG. 62.

Alternative Groove Shapes

FIG. 63 illustrates pipette tip coupler device 400 positioned over theexample embodiment of the disposable pipette tip 220 comprising analternative circumferential V-shaped groove 2246 defined by an V-shapedcircumferential interior surface 2244 of the disposable pipette tip 220opening toward the longitudinal Z axis and having a V-shaped crosssection as illustrated.

FIG. 64 illustrates the pipette tip coupler device 400 being located inthe disposable pipette tip 220 comprising the alternative V-shapedgroove 2246 wherein the tip 220 with the alternative V-shaped groove2246 is lifted up to its final state with the primary elastomericelement 160 being compressed and extruded into the V-shaped groove 2246and into abutment against the V-shaped circumferential interior surface2244 with the secondary elastomeric element 180 in the final compressedand seated sealing state against the sealing seat surface 270 of the tip220.

FIG. 65 illustrates the detail of the primary O-ring 160 being in thefinal state of being compressed and extruded into the V-shaped groove2246 and into abutment against the V-shaped circumferential interiorsurface 2244.

Furthermore, FIGS. 66 through 76 illustrate fragmentary, longitudinalsectional, side elevational views detailing further differentalternative example embodiments of the circumferential annular tipgroove 246 illustrated in FIG. 15. In particular, FIGS. 66 through 76illustrate respective groove configurations 3001, 3002, 3003, 3004,3005, 3006, 3007, 3008, 3009, 3010, and 3011. Additionally, the segmentsof the couplers may comprise radially outwardly extending facescomplementary to the respective different alternative exampleembodiments of the respective groove configurations 3001 through 3011.

Moreover, any one of the sealing seat geometries 270 (FIG. 15), 2270(FIG. 54), 3270 (FIG. 57), 4270 (FIG. 59), or 5270 (FIG. 61) may beemployed with any one of the circumferential annular tip groovegeometries 246 (FIG. 15), 2246 (FIG. 63), 3001 (FIG. 66), 3002 (FIG.67), 3003 (FIG. 68), 3004 (FIG. 69), 3005 (FIG. 70), 3006 (FIG. 71),3007 (FIG. 72), 3008 (FIG. 73), 3009 (FIG. 74), 3010 (FIG. 75), or 3011(FIG. 76). Moreover, the elastomeric element 160 may also have shapesalternate to an O-ring shape and may be in the form of, but not limitedto, configurations complementary to any one of the tip sealing seatgeometries.

Devoid of Groove/Interruption

FIG. 77 illustrates an interior of a second example embodiment of adisposable pipette tip in the form of disposable pipette tip 1220.Disposable pipette tip 1220 is analogous in all portions to disposablepipette tip 220 with the exception that interrupted interior surfacesection 242 is devoid of interruption such as a groove thereby defininguninterrupted interior surface section 1242 of the disposable pipettetip 1220. Disposable pipette tip 1220 can also alternatively employ oneof the alternative sealing seat geometries 270 (FIG. 15), 2270 (FIG.54), 3270 (FIG. 57), 4270 (FIG. 59), or 5270 (FIG. 61). Disposablepipette tip 1220 can also be used with pipette tip coupler 100, pipettetip coupler 400, or pipette tip coupler 500.

FIG. 78 illustrates the pipette tip coupler device 400 aligned over thedisposable pipette tip 1220 comprising the uninterrupted interiorsurface section 1242.

FIG. 79 illustrates the pipette tip coupler device 400 positioned in thedisposable pipette tip 1220 with the stop shoulder surface 134 of thecoupler device 400 abutting against the axial stop surface 260 ofdisposable pipette tip 1220.

Additionally, FIG. 79 illustrates the primary O-ring 160 beingcompressed against the interior surface 1242 of the circumscribingsidewall of the disposable pipette tip 1220 resulting in a deformation1244 of the interior surface 1242 of the disposable pipette tip 1220.FIG. 79 further illustrates the distal elastomeric element 180 in thefinal compressed and seated sealing state against the sealing seatsurface 270 of the disposable pipette tip 1220.

Accordingly, the first working surface is in the form of, but notlimited to, one of the respective groove configuration detailed above oran uninterrupted configuration exemplified by the uninterrupted interiorsurface section 1242 (FIG. 78) of the disposable pipette tip 1220.

Shoulder Seat Surface Comprising Axially Upwardly Projecting Rib 5020

In another example embodiment, FIGS. 81 and 82 detail an upper interiorof a disposable pipette tip 5000 that is analogous in all portions todisposable pipette tip 220 (FIG. 15) with the exception of analternative interior axially upwardly facing shoulder seat surfacehaving an axially upwardly facing annular groove 5010 coaxially disposedaround an axially upwardly extending circumscribing rib 5020 having acontinuous solid circumscribing cross section.

As illustrated in FIGS. 81 and 82, the first substantially cylindricalinterior surface section 242 is axially distally proceeded by the secondsubstantially cylindrical interior surface section 262 having a seconddiameter less than the first diameter of the first substantiallycylindrical interior surface section 242 for forming the proximallyfacing, radially inwardly extending annular shoulder 5002 comprising theaxially upwardly facing annular groove 5010 coaxially disposed aroundthe axially upwardly extending circumscribing rib 5020.

In one embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 83, the axially upwardlyextending circumscribing rib 5020 comprises an uppermost rib seatsurface or rib apex 5022 transitioning into sloping rib side surfaces5024 and 5028. Sloping rib side surface 5024 transitions into an annularconvex surface 5026 that transitions to the second substantiallycylindrical interior surface section 262. On the outer radial side ofthe circumscribing rib 5020, sloping side surface 5028 forms a side wallsurface of a groove surface 5008 defining the groove 5010. The groovesurface 5008 further comprises a lower surface 5004 that transitionsbetween the side surface 5028 and a sloping side surface 5006 thattransitions into the first substantially cylindrical interior surfacesection 242.

In one embodiment, and referring to FIGS. 81 through 83, the axiallyupwardly extending circumscribing rib 5020 comprising the rib apex 5022may be formed by, for example, the removal of material from the uppersurface of the proximally facing, radially inwardly extending annularshoulder to form the groove 5010 or by the upper surface of theproximally facing, radially inwardly extending annular shoulder beingmolded to be devoid of material to form the groove 5010.

Referring to FIGS. 84 and 85, the disposable pipette tip 5000 can beused with one of the pipette tip coupler devices described above such aspipette tip coupler device 400 wherein reducing the proximally facingsurface area of the radially inwardly extending annular shoulder 5002 byforming rib apex 5022 provides an increase in the pressure between thetip 5000 and the stop shoulder surface 134 of the pipette tip couplerdevice 400.

Specifically, and referring to FIGS. 41, 84, and 85, the axial force(Fprimary_axial) produced by the primary O-ring 160 engaging the groove250 will push against the rib apex 5022 thereby producing a seal betweenthe tip 5000 and surface 134. Since pressure (P) is equal to force (F)divided by area (A), reducing the surface area of the radially inwardlyextending annular shoulder by providing the rib apex 5022 results inincreased pressure (P=F/A). This increased pressure between the tip 5000at the rib apex 5022 and surface 134 provides a seal. Accordingly, thedisposable pipette tip 5000 provides a new seal for every use. Inalternative embodiments, circumscribing rib 5022 may also be provided bya sealant bead, elastomer washer, O-ring, or other means to provide aconfiguration exemplified by rib 5022.

Internal Seal Pipette Tip Assembly 6010

In another example embodiment, FIG. 86 illustrates an example embodimentof an internal seal pipette tip assembly 6010 comprising an internalseal pipette tip 6020 and an internal seal 6030.

Referring to FIGS. 86 and 87, the pipette tip 6020 is analogous in allportions to disposable pipette tip 220 (FIG. 15) with the exception ofan alternative interior axially upwardly facing shoulder seat surfacehaving an axially upwardly facing annular groove 6040 coaxially disposedaround an axially upwardly extending circumscribing rib 6050 having anuppermost rib seat surface or rib apex 6052.

As illustrated in detail in FIG. 88, axially upwardly extendingcircumscribing rib 6050 comprises an uppermost rib seat surface or ribapex 6052 transitioning into an annular convex surface 6054 on theradially inner side of the rib apex 6052 and transitioning into a stepside surface 6056 on the radially outer side of the rib apex 6052.Convex surface 6054 transitions into the second substantiallycylindrical interior surface section 262 and step side surface 6056forms a side wall surface of a groove surface 6058 defining the groove6040. The groove surface 6058 further comprises a lower surface 6060that transitions between the side surface 6056 and an axially upwardlyextending side surface 6062 that transitions into the firstsubstantially cylindrical interior surface section 242.

As illustrated in FIG. 89, the internal seal 6030 is configured to bedisposed for compression in the axially upwardly facing annular groove6040 (FIG. 88) defined by groove surface 6058.

Additionally, and as illustrated in FIG. 90, the internal seal 6030 isfurther configured to comprise in its uncompressed state an axiallyupwardly extending circumscribing sector portion 6032 having an axialelevation greater than the axial elevation of the circumscribing ribapex 6052 of the axially upwardly extending circumscribing rib 6050.

The internal seal pipette tip assembly 6010 can be used with any of thepipette tip coupler devices described above such as pipette tip couplerdevice 400 as is illustrated in FIG. 91 wherein the pipette tip couplerdevice 400 is positioned in and operatively coupled to the internal sealpipette tip assembly 6010 comprising the internal seal pipette tip 6020and the internal seal 6030. With the pipette tip coupler device 400operatively coupled to the internal seal pipette tip assembly 6010 thedistally facing axial stop shoulder surface 134 of the pipette tipcoupler device 400 compresses the internal seal 6030 disposed in theaxially upwardly facing annular groove 6040 (FIG. 88) to the extent ofcontact between the distally facing axial stop shoulder surface 134 andthe rib apex 6052 of the axially upwardly extending circumscribing rib6050 as illustrated in detail in FIG. 92. Once the tip assembly 6010 andthe pipette tip coupler device 400 are operatively coupled together, theinternal seal 6030 provides a seal between the tip 6020 and the pipettetip coupler device 400.

Accordingly, the internal seal pipette tip assembly 6010 provides a newinternal seal 6030 for every use. Additionally, the internal seal 6030provides a secondary sealing function and, in one embodiment, areplacement seal for distal seal 180. In one embodiment, the internalseal 6030 may be molded in place during the molding operation of the tip6020. In other example embodiments, the internal seal 6030 may compriseanother sealing mechanism, such as elastomeric element such as anO-ring, elastomeric washer, a thin layer of sealant, a sealant bead, anadhesive, or other sealant material or mechanism.

In light of the present disclosure as set forth above, structuralmodifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing fromthe scope and fair meaning of the embodiments of the present disclosureas set forth above. For example, FIGS. 66 through 76 are views detailingdifferent alternative example embodiments to the circumferential annulartip groove 246 illustrated in at least in FIG. 15. In particular, FIGS.66 through 76 illustrate groove configurations 3001, 3002, 3003, 3004,3005, 3006, 3007, 3008, 3009, 3010, and 3011 respectively.

Additionally, the primary O-ring 160 may comprise a radially outwardface shaped complementary to any one of the embodiments of therespective groove configurations 3001 through 3011.

Furthermore, the tip distal O-ring sealing seat 270 may have differentgeometries in the form of, but not limited to, the sealing seatgeometries 2270 (FIG. 54), 3270 (FIG. 57), 4270 (FIG. 59), or 5270 (FIG.61).

Moreover, the distal O-ring 180 may have alternate shapes other than anO-ring and may be in the form of, but not limited to, configurationscomplementary to the geometry of one of the distal O-ring sealing seats270 (FIG. 15), 2270 (FIG. 54), 3270 (FIG. 57), 4270 (FIG. 59), or 5270(FIG. 61).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The above delineation of the systems, assemblies, devices, and methodsincluding uses and operations, demonstrate the industrial applicabilityof embodiment(s) of the present disclosure.

In light of the present disclosure as set forth above, it should beapparent that further numerous structural modifications and adaptationsmay be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning ofthe embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth hereinabove andas described hereinbelow by the claims. Hence, the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims should not be limited to the above delineateddescription of the embodiments of the present disclosure. And, in theappended claims reference to an element in the singular is not intendedto mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “oneor more.” Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method toaddress each and every problem sought to be solved by the presentdisclosure, for it to be encompassed by the present claims.

What is claimed is: 1- A pipette tip coupling device for coupling apipette tip to a pipette device, the pipette tip coupling devicecomprising: a shank having a proximal end face and a widest shankportion with a shank diameter; a coupler body having a proximal couplerend surface and a widest coupler body portion with a coupler bodydiameter; wherein the coupler body is distal to the shank, and whereinthe coupler body diameter is greater than the shank diameter; a distalstem portion; a distal end plate; an open-ended interior circumscribingsurface forming an open passageway extending longitudinally from theproximal end face through the distal end plate; a proximal elastomericelement disposed around the shank and adjacent to the proximal couplerend surface; and a distal elastomeric element disposed around the distalstem portion and adjacent to the distal end plate. 2- The pipette tipcoupling device of claim 1 wherein the coupler body further comprises: aproximal cylindrical portion having a first cylindrical portiondiameter; a distal cylindrical portion having a second cylindricalportion diameter; and wherein the first cylindrical portion diameter isgreater than the second cylindrical portion diameter, forming a distallyfacing stop shoulder surface. 3- The pipette tip coupling device ofclaim 2 wherein the distal end plate has a distal end plate diameter,and wherein the second cylindrical portion diameter is greater than thedistal end plate diameter. 4- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1wherein the shank further comprises: an elongated tubular body having anelongated tubular body diameter, wherein the elongated tubular body isdistal to the proximal end face; a cylindrical neck having a cylindricalneck diameter, wherein the cylindrical neck (112) is distal to theelongated tubular body (108); and wherein the cylindrical neck diameteris less than the elongated tubular body diameter. 5- The pipette tipcoupling device of claim 4 wherein the shank further comprises acylindrical collar having a cylindrical collar diameter, and wherein thecylindrical collar is distal to the cylindrical neck and the cylindricalcollar diameter is greater than the cylindrical neck diameter. 6- Thepipette tip coupling device of claim 4 wherein the shank furthercomprises a chamfered section between the proximal end face and theelongated tubular body. 7- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 2wherein the shank further comprises: an elongated tubular body having anelongated tubular body diameter, wherein the elongated tubular body isdistal to the proximal end face; a cylindrical neck having a cylindricalneck diameter, wherein the cylindrical neck is distal to the elongatedtubular body; and wherein the cylindrical neck diameter is less than theelongated tubular body diameter. 8- The pipette tip coupling device ofclaim 1 further comprising an annular planar squeeze ring movablycircumscribing the shank and proximal to the proximal elastomericelement. 9- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 8 wherein theproximal elastomeric element and the annular planar squeeze ring eachfurther comprises an electrically conductive material. 10- The pipettetip coupling device of claim 1 further comprising an annular wedgemovably circumscribing the shank, the annular wedge comprising: aproximal wedge surface having a first wedge circumference; a distalwedge surface having a second wedge circumference less than the firstwedge circumference; an exterior surface, wherein the exterior surfaceconnects the proximal wedge surface with the distal wedge surface; andwherein the exterior surface of the annular wedge abuts the proximalelastomeric element. 11- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 10wherein the proximal wedge surface of the annular wedge furthercomprises a radially extending annular lip. 12- The pipette tip couplingdevice of claim 10 wherein the proximal elastomeric element and theannular wedge each further comprises an electrically conductivematerial. 13- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1 wherein thepipette tip coupling device further comprises an annular spacercircumscribing the shank. 14- The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1wherein the proximal elastomeric element comprises an O-ring. 15- Thepipette tip coupling device of claim 14 wherein the distal elastomericelement comprises an O-ring. 16- The pipette tip coupling device ofclaim 1 wherein the distal elastomeric element comprises an O-ring. 17-The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1 wherein the proximal couplerend surface comprises a planar surface perpendicular to the shank. 18-The pipette tip coupling device of claim 1 wherein the proximal couplerend surface comprises: a planar annular surface adjacent to the shankand perpendicular to the shank; and an upwardly inclined annular surfaceextending radially outward from the planar annular surface. 19- Thepipette tip coupling device of claim 1 wherein the proximal coupler endsurface comprises: a planar annular surface adjacent to the shank andperpendicular to the shank; an annular downwardly inclined surfaceextending radially outward from the planar annular surface; and anannular upwardly inclined surface extending radially outward from theannular downwardly inclined surface. 20- The pipette tip coupling deviceof claim 2 wherein the proximal coupler end surface comprises: a planarannular surface adjacent to the shank and perpendicular to the shank;and an upwardly inclined annular surface extending radially outward fromthe planar annular surface. 21- The pipette tip coupling device of claim2 wherein the proximal coupler end surface comprises: a planar annularsurface adjacent to the shank and perpendicular to the shank; an annulardownwardly inclined surface extending radially outward from the planarannular surface; and an annular upwardly inclined surface extendingradially outward from the annular downwardly inclined surface.